Procurement | Bespoke Design & Manufacturing | British Craftsmanship | Specialist Materials | Luxury Brand Operations
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 / Procurement Manager, 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 buying raw materials and components, such as steel and other metals, stone, timber or other specialist materials, for a manufacturing or bespoke production environment. We're looking for someone who has sourced what goes into making a finished product, rather than buying finished goods for resale.
The Role at a Glance
Buyer Procurement Manager
Oxfordshire – Fully site-based during probation, with potential for one day working from home thereafter
Negotiable Salary DOE
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 professional from a manufacturing or bespoke production 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.
This is not a retail buying role or a purely strategic procurement position. 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, 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 a Procurement, Operations or Supply Chain Manager, or an experienced Buyer 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:
- Strong procurement, buying 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.
If you enjoy working with talented people, appreciate fine craftsmanship and want more scope to shape how things happen, this could be your next move.
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Buyer Procurement Manager - British Bespoke Sculpture Manufacturing in Reading employer: David Harber
David Harber is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the luxury design sector. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to unique opportunities for professional development while working in a hybrid role that balances on-site engagement in Didcot with exciting travel prospects. Join a team that values innovation and relationships, making a meaningful impact in the world of design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer Procurement Manager - British Bespoke Sculpture Manufacturing in Reading
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to David Harber specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at David Harber
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with David Harber, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like David Harber value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
