At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and operations for luxury furniture, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join David Harber, a renowned British design business creating exceptional sculptures and features.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to work with talented artisans.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop towards Head of Operations in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury design while collaborating with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and a passion for craftsmanship.
Procurement | Bespoke Design | 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 is a carefully coordinated blend of creative talent, skilled craftsmanship, specialist materials and trusted partners.
As our Procurement & Operations Manager, you’ll bring these elements together, helping our team translate artistic vision into beautifully finished pieces, ready to take their place in extraordinary settings.
You’ll take ownership of procurement, supplier relationships, materials and stock, working closely with our design and workshop teams to ensure every commission receives the care, planning and attention it deserves.
Alongside the day-to-day, you’ll have the opportunity to refine how we work, introduce better systems and grow towards broader operational leadership within an established British luxury design business.
The Role at a Glance Procurement & Operations Manager Oxfordshire – Fully site-based during probation, with potential for one day working from home thereafter £49,000–£52,000 DOE Plus Benefits 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 About David Harber 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 Reporting to the Design & Operations Director, you’ll connect our Design, Production, Sales and Finance teams with the suppliers and specialists who support their work.
Procurement will sit at the heart of your role.
You’ll source materials and services, nurture supplier relationships and manage pricing and lead times, balancing exacting quality standards with sound commercial judgement.
You’ll also oversee stock and materials, coordinate logistics and fleet requirements, and support Health & Safety across the site.
With a close understanding of the workshop’s needs, you’ll help work move smoothly from design through making, finishing and delivery.
A key project will be supporting the adoption of Sage 200 ERP, replacing manual stock processes with clearer information and more effective planning.
This is a hands-on opportunity with real scope to shape the detail and improve the bigger picture.
- 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.
Why David Harber?
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.
Apply now to build your next chapter with David Harber.
Application notice...
We take your privacy seriously.
As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone.
Your data is processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) on the basis of their legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process.
Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice on their website for further details
Procurement & Operations Manager - Luxury Furniture & Design employer: RecruitmentRevolution.com
Aldenham Estate is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a diverse family-owned business in Hertfordshire. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, you will be empowered to influence strategic decisions while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact across various sectors, from property to sustainable land management, all within a supportive and dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Operations Manager - Luxury Furniture & Design
✨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 RecruitmentRevolution.com.
✨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 Procurement & Operations Manager - Luxury Furniture & Design
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 RecruitmentRevolution.com:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to RecruitmentRevolution.com. 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 RecruitmentRevolution.com.
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitmentRevolution.com
✨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 RecruitmentRevolution.com!
✨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 RecruitmentRevolution.com. 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 RecruitmentRevolution.com's culture.
