Procurement Planning Manager in London

PROCUREMENT PLANNING MANAGER

OVERVIEW

An exciting opportunity to join a leading luxury house in a newly created role responsible for bringing greater planning, structure and visibility to the procurement function. The Procurement Planning Manager will own the procedural and analytical side of procurement, creating a clear framework for understanding what is required, when it is required, what has been ordered, what is outstanding and where priorities need to be focused. Working closely with Procurement, Merchandising and specialist teams across the business, this individual will provide the planning and control layer behind the day-to-day procurement activity, ensuring requirements are effectively planned, prioritised, monitored and reported. This is not a hands-on buying or product specialist role. It would particularly suit someone from a luxury merchandising, planning, procurement or analytical background who can bring structure to complex information and use data to support effective decision-making. Previous jewellery, diamond or gemstone experience is not essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PLANNING & PRIORITISATION

• Develop and manage a clear planning and control process across procurement.
• Compile and maintain an accurate overview of current and future requirements.
• Forward-plan requirements and establish clear priorities in line with business needs and timelines.
• Monitor open requirements, orders and expected deliveries, identifying potential gaps, delays or bottlenecks.
• Ensure priorities and plans are continually updated as business requirements change.

ANALYSIS & REPORTING

• Develop and maintain live dashboards and management reporting covering requirements, open orders, incoming deliveries, value and status.
• Analyse procurement data to identify trends, risks and areas requiring attention.
• Track supplier performance, lead times and delivery against expectations.
• Use historical and current data to improve forward planning and support decision-making.
• Provide clear, concise reporting and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COORDINATION

• Work closely with Procurement, Merchandising and specialist teams to understand current and upcoming requirements.
• Translate business needs into structured procurement plans and priorities.
• Provide teams with clear visibility of requirements, progress and timelines.
• Ensure potential issues or delays are identified and escalated at an early stage.
• Provide the structure and information required for the wider procurement team to execute effectively.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

• Review and improve procurement planning processes to increase efficiency, accuracy and visibility.
• Develop practical tools, trackers and controls that provide a reliable overview of requirements and progress.
• Establish consistent ways of working and support the development of a more proactive, forward-looking procurement function.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Strong experience within merchandising, planning, procurement planning, supply chain, operations or a similar analytical function.
• Previous experience within the luxury sector is highly desirable.
• A merchandising or merchandise planning background would be particularly relevant.
• Strong analytical ability with advanced Excel skills and experience working with detailed datasets, reports and dashboards.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to turn complex information into clear plans, priorities and recommendations.
• Highly organised, methodical and process-driven, with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive and forward-thinking, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and manage changing priorities.
• A confident communicator who can work effectively across multiple specialist teams and with senior stakeholders.
• Comfortable taking ownership of processes and introducing greater structure within a fast-paced environment.
• Jewellery, diamond or gemstone experience is not essential.