Italian Speaking Purchasing Manager

Job Overview:We are seeking an Italian speaking, highly organized and detail-oriented Purchasing Manager to oversee and optimise our supplier relations, logistics operations, forecasting, and product management. This role will be responsible for managing supplier orders, improving forecasting accuracy, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining accurate product catalogues, all while driving sustainability initiatives such as environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to identify and implement improvements across our processes.Key Responsibilities:Supplier Management:Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring pricing and ordering processes are optimised. Verify the accuracy and completeness of technical sheets, ensuring they are up-to-date and properly stored. Collaborate with suppliers to explore and implement environmentally friendly packaging options.Forecasting:Ensure the forecasting sheet is accurate and up-to-date. Investigate methods to improve forecasting accuracy and efficiency. Liaise with the Sales Team regarding predicted uplifts due to planned promotions, to support forecasting calculations. Keep the team informed about out-of-stock (OOS) situations. Supplier Orders and Logistics:Place orders with suppliers while factoring in lead times and supplier-specific variables. Coordinate transportation to the UK and manage all related logistics and transportation issues. Ensure the warehouse receives pre-arrival notices for all inbound stock. Communicate with all relevant departments about incoming goods and order statuses.Product Catalogue Management:Maintain the Master Product Sheet, ensuring all product information is accurate and up-to-date. Keep technical sheets and BRC certificates current and easily accessible.Supplier and Customer Communication:Handle supplier communication regarding any issues, ensuring clear and timely responses. Escalate supplier-related issues when necessary, ensuring a resolution is achieved in a timely manner.Supplier-side New Product Development (NPD):Ensure smooth communication and clear documentation with existing and new suppliers regarding new products. Establish clear requirements through pre-set questions (e.g., MOQ, lead times, specification sheets). Ensure samples are properly labelled and stored for easy reference.Logistics and Cost Efficiency:Investigate alternative transport options to reduce costs and improve delivery efficiency. Explore and recommend environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, and consider delivery consolidation options. Track and document logistics costs for accurate reporting and optimization.Cross-Team Communication:Communicate effectively with all teams regarding stock issues and supply chain updates.Production and Delivery:Ensure all first-run products and new production batches are delivered to the office and correctly labelled. Qualifications & Skills: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field preferred.Experience: 3+ years in supplier management, logistics or supply chain operations, with a focus on forecasting and product catalogue management. Experience with Organic Certification would be helpful.Skills:Italian Speaker (native or minimum CEFR level C1). Spoken and written English minimum CEFR level C1. Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills. High attention to detail and accuracy in managing technical and product data. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential for this role. Training can be given to improve existing knowledge, but this is not suitable for anyone not already comfortable using Excel. Experience with ERP or business management systems is a plus. Knowledge of environmentally sustainable practices and packaging solutions is highly desirable.Personal Attributes:Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach. Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and seek continuous improvements. The role is based in our London office (Islington), with the option for hybrid working after probation.Colville Search are a boutique agency and as a result, are unable to respond individually to the large volume of applications. If you are already registered with Colville Search please do not hesitate to contact the consultant you deal with directly.