Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager

Purpose of Role
To be in charge of purchasing items for the company, coordinating orders and shipments so that items are neither overstocked nor out of stock, and negotiating with distributors to acquire the best price for store products. To assist logistics process for the development of new products, inventory maintenance, manufacturing, shipment and delivery, and returns on products.

Key Objectives & Responsibilities

• Build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers.
• Regular review of the purchasing needs of the business identifying areas of risk and opportunity.
• Undertake value for money reviews of existing contracts and agreements.
• Routine supplier reviews, evaluating performance and compliance in accordance with new or changing environmental policies, standards, regulations, or laws.
• Consulting with company management to determine supply budget.
• Ensuring that all expenditures fall within designated budget.
• Run and evaluate bids in tender process and make recommendations based on commercial and technical factors.
• Monitor market activity, gathering insights in order to proactively recommend actions.
• Creating strategic plans for recurring future orders.
• Assisting in determining standards for quality control.
• Ensuring that all products shipped to stores are up to quality standards.
• Negotiating with distributors for bulk prices.
• Aiding and managing stock with suppliers / forecast volumes based on seasonal product changes, new product launches, marketing campaigns & slow movers.
• Liaising with other departments within the organisation to ensure projects are completed.
• Studying customer base to inform order and distribution decisions.
• Consulting with store managers to create lists of new items to stock.
• Ad hoc placing orders for supplies.
• Addressing and resolving shipment delays or problems.
• Meeting and negotiating terms of contract with suppliers.
• Rebate management.

Skills and Technical Requirements

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Multi-site retailer experience essential.
• Experience in buying raw materials and running tender processes essential.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft office, with min intermediate level knowledge of Excel.
• A flair for negotiation and networking.
• High levels of numeracy with the ability to analyse large volumes of data quickly.
• Proficient in the use of inventory software desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Managing time efficiently.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Familiarity with company sales records and inventory.
• Awareness of market trends and new or competitive products.
• Capable of reading and interpreting invoices and packing slips.
• Knowledge of company’s customer base.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Understanding best shipping and ordering practices.
• Knowledge of product, manufacturing, and shipping costs.

Attributes

• Incredibly well organised and able to work in a neat and tidy manner.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Able to operate in a fast changing and challenging environment.
• Customer focused with a 'can do' approach.
• Good attention to detail and accurate in work.
• Able to use initiative and can apply practical solutions to problems.
• Self-motivated and Self-aware.
• Team player.
• Will go the extra mile.