Buyer / Buying & Operations - Luxury British Design Brand in Oxford

Procurement | Bespoke Design & Manufacturing | British Craftsmanship | Specialist Materials | Luxury Brand Operations | Family Founded & Run Business

Exceptional pieces begin with inspired design. Bringing them to life takes exceptional people.

At David Harber, we create internationally renowned sculptures, sundials and water features for some of the world’s most prestigious private, commercial and public spaces.

Behind every piece lies a carefully coordinated blend of creative talent, skilled craftsmanship, specialist materials and trusted partners.

As our Buyer, you'll bring these elements together, helping our team translate artistic vision into beautifully finished work, ready to take its place in extraordinary settings.

You'll take ownership of procurement, supplier relationships, materials and stock, working closely with our design and workshop teams to make sure every commission receives the care, planning and attention it deserves.

Beyond the day-to-day, you'll have the opportunity to refine how we work, introduce better systems and grow into broader operational leadership within an established British luxury design business.

You'll have experience or a strong awareness for buying raw materials and components, such as steel and other metals, stone, timber or other specialist materials, for a manufacturing or bespoke production environment. The role might also suit someone who has worked in FF&E procurement for luxury design or architect studio.

The Role at a Glance

Buyer / Buying & Operations (Procurement & Operations Manager)

Oxfordshire - Fully site-based during probation, with potential for one day working from home thereafter

Full Time | Permanent

Company: Multi-award-winning, internationally renowned luxury sculptures, sundials and water features

Our Values: Creativity. Teamwork. Excellence. Collaboration. Pride

Environment: Bespoke Design | British Craftsmanship | Exceptional Materials

Focus: Procurement | Supplier Relationships | Materials & Stock | Workshop Operations | Delivery

Systems: Sage 200 ERP | Inventory & Process Improvement

Career Progression: Opportunity to Develop Towards Head of Operations

David Harber is an internationally recognised British design business whose sculptures, sundials and water features bring artistry and individuality to private gardens, public landscapes and distinguished commercial spaces around the world.

Every piece brings together creative vision, craftsmanship and engineering, with exceptional attention to form, materials and finish.

That same care extends behind the scenes. Our designers, craftspeople and wider team work closely with specialist suppliers and partners to bring each piece to life. You’ll play a central role in making that collaboration work beautifully.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Procurement / Purchasing / Ops professional from a bespoke production or luxury products' environment to take ownership of procurement, supplier relationships, materials and stock, while playing a key role in the day-to-day operational flow of our Oxfordshire workshop.

You'll be close to the workshop, working directly with production, design, sales and finance to make sure the right materials and services are available at the right time, to the right specification and at the right cost.

You'll also have the opportunity to help improve the way we operate, including supporting the implementation of Sage 200, strengthening stock control and developing more effective purchasing and operational processes.

Over time, there is scope for this role to develop into broader operational leadership.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Thoughtful Procurement & Trusted Partnerships

• Lead purchasing across specialist materials and subcontracted services.
• Build dependable supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, terms and lead times.
• Monitor quality, supplier performance, expenditure and supply risks.
• Ensure our craftspeople have the right materials at the right time, balancing quality, availability and cost.

From Creative Vision to Delivery

• Coordinate operational priorities across design, workshop production, finishing and delivery.
• Take ownership of stock accuracy, inventory management and materials planning.
• Organise logistics, deliveries and fleet requirements.
• Support high standards of Health & Safety, maintaining clear records and practical processes.

Refine How We Work

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce unnecessary costs and resolve delays.
• Strengthen communication, planning and accountability across teams.
• Support the successful implementation and adoption of Sage 200 ERP.
• Lead two direct reports and help develop the wider operational function.

About You

You understand what it takes to bring a beautifully designed physical product to life: the right materials, trusted suppliers, careful planning and close collaboration with the people making it.

Your background might include luxury interiors, FF&E, bespoke furniture, architectural lighting, decorative metalwork, stone or another design-led business where craftsmanship and quality matter.

You’ll be comfortable working closely with a workshop, understanding practical requirements and balancing creative priorities with commercial realities.

You may already be working in Buying, Procurement & Operations and ready to take on wider responsibility. What matters is your ability to bring clarity, care and commercial judgement to a varied, hands-on role.

You’ll Bring:

• Procurement, buying, operations and supplier-management experience.
• Confident negotiation and cost-control skills, with an appreciation of quality and craftsmanship.
• Experience managing physical materials, stock and inventory.
• Strong planning skills and the ability to coordinate competing priorities.
• A track record of improving processes and making day-to-day operations run more smoothly.
• Clear communication and a collaborative approach across creative, commercial and workshop teams.
• Practical problem-solving, attention to detail and a willingness to take ownership.

Even Better If You Bring:

• Experience with bespoke, luxury or high-value products.
• Knowledge of metals, stone or other specialist materials.
• ERP implementation experience, particularly Sage 200.
• Workshop planning, logistics or fleet experience.
• Health & Safety knowledge.
• Experience applying structured process improvements in a craft or design-led setting.

This is an opportunity to bring your commercial and organisational strengths to a business creating pieces of lasting beauty.

You’ll work close to the design and craftsmanship, see the tangible results of your contribution and have the scope to shape how the business operates.

As your knowledge and responsibilities grow, there is a longer-term opportunity to develop towards Head of Operations.

Bring Your Eye for Detail to Something Exceptional.

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