At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategy, optimise stock, and negotiate with suppliers to drive growth.
- Company: Join MattressNextDay, a top independent mattress retailer in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary up to £45K, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and make a real impact on our own-brand offerings.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in Procurement/Buying and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Us
MattressNextDay is one of the UK's largest and fastest-growing independent mattress and bed retailers. We're on an ambitious growth journey, and we're looking for a commercially sharp Purchasing Manager to help drive the next stage of that growth.
The Role
This is a pivotal role in the business. You'll shape our buying strategy, optimise stockholding, drive down cost of goods through skilled supplier negotiation, and own the product lifecycle from sourcing through to launch. You'll play a key part in growing our own-brand offering — one of our top strategic priorities — while leading a small team of planning and purchasing professionals. You’ll report directly to the Board of Directors, working closely with them to shape product strategy, and will collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Warehouse/Logistics, and Sales teams to bring the right products to market at the right price.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day purchasing operations
- Optimise stockholding processes, ensuring stock is held in the right locations to maximise fill rates, minimise excess stock, and reduce stockouts
- Own the Netstock demand planning platform, ensuring data and forecast accuracy at all times
- Own demand forecasting and drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy
- Manage purchasing risk and develop contingency plans where needed
- Meet regularly with suppliers to review performance and strengthen product portfolios
- Negotiate cost price, payment terms, and commercial agreements with suppliers
- Manage day-to-day supplier relationships
- Increase gross profit margin through improved cost pricing and retail pricing strategy
- Own retail pricing strategy, balancing competitive, value-for-money pricing with healthy margins
- Own the promotions calendar, ensuring strong promotional coverage throughout the year in partnership with suppliers
- Own the product lifecycle and new product roadmap, ensuring successful product launches
- Source new beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture in line with wider business objectives
- Grow the business's own-brand offering — a key strategic priority
- Provide input into in-store merchandising and product selection to maximise in-store sell-through
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 2 Planning and Purchasing professionals
- Work closely with Marketing/Merchandising to ensure new product launches
- Work with Warehouse teams to ensure effective planning of stock flow through the business
- Work closely with the Board of Directors, incorporating their input into product strategy
About You
- 3-5 years' experience in Procurement/Buying at manager level, ideally within furniture, beds, or a related category
- Proven people management experience
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with Marketing, Warehouse/Logistics, and Sales/Customer Service teams
- Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders
What We offer
- Hybrid working (3 days per week in Whitstable office)
- Up to £45K salary
Purchasing Manager in Whitstable employer: MattressNextDay
At MattressNextDay, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's largest independent mattress and bed retailers, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation. As a Purchasing Manager, you'll not only have the opportunity to shape our buying strategy but also benefit from a supportive culture that values collaboration and professional development. With hybrid working options and a competitive salary, we are committed to providing our employees with a rewarding career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Whitstable
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like MattressNextDay.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Whitstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to MattressNextDay:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to MattressNextDay. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like MattressNextDay.
How to prepare for a job interview at MattressNextDay
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at MattressNextDay!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at MattressNextDay. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into MattressNextDay's culture.
