Buyer/Merchandiser - Homeware in Manchester

We are recruiting for a Buying Merchandiser who will manage the full supply chain process from the point of purchase order creation through to final shipment and delivery. This role ensures seamless coordination between the buying team, suppliers, logistics partners, and internal departments. With responsibility for multiple order types (FOB, landed, direct-to-customer), this position plays a key role in maintaining stock flow, supplier performance, and on-time delivery in line with commercial requirements.

The role:

• Purchase Order & Specification Management
  • Accurately build lead times and supply to customers along with internal teams e.g. Buying/ Demand Planner.
  • Raise and issue approved purchase orders to overseas vendors in line with agreed terms and specifications.
  • Ensure the buying team has input all stock lines, accurate cost/pricing data, and full specifications into NAV/ERP prior to PO placement.
  • Maintain and review a clear and accurate purchase order book weekly to monitor status and identify risks.
  • Complete PO specification sheets and send to vendors promptly to prevent production delays.
  • Save all POs and proforma invoices (PIs) in the company’s ERP system in the correct format and location.
  • Submit PO deposit requests to the Accounts team accurately and on time to prevent payment delays.
• Supplier & Production Management
  • Maintain daily contact with overseas suppliers to track progress, resolve issues, and ensure shipments meet purchase order requirements.
  • Monitor and collect factory production updates, checking alignment with customer requirements and shipping schedules.
  • Approve or notify vendors of carton markings, packaging formats, and other critical details.
  • Chase shipment authorisation forms from suppliers and coordinate with the Merchandising team for domestic stock approvals.
  • Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews, focusing on delivery reliability, responsiveness, and production quality.
• Critical Path and Internal Coordination
  • Maintain and drive the critical path, coordinating with internal departments (buying, design, compliance, QA, and artwork teams) to meet deadlines for inventory readiness, certifications, and packaging approvals.
  • Chair weekly tracker meeting, highlighting issues and setting relevant personal deadlines to solve.
  • Sending email updates of tracker meeting minutes with action points.
  • Liaise with sales merchandisers on key launches and critical delivery timelines, quoting accurate production and shipping lead times.
  • Ensure KPI for on-time inspections is maintained at or above 95%, escalating delays to relevant teams.
• Order Type & Logistics Management
  • Manage supply chain execution across all order types:
  • FOB Orders: Coordinate supplier bookings, shipping documents, and freight arrangements in line with incoterm agreements.
  • Landed Orders: Oversee freight-forwarded shipments and ensure goods arrive duty-paid at the correct destination.
  • Direct-to-Customer Orders: Manage retail-ready shipments dispatched directly to customers or third-party warehouses, ensuring all compliance requirements are met.
  • Maintain accurate production and shipping schedules within the company’s ERP system to support planning and warehouse coordination.
  • Track shipments from factory through to final delivery, ensuring documentation (invoice, packing list, B/L) is correct and timely.
  • Resolve logistics delays, document issues, or supplier-related bottlenecks quickly to protect commercial timelines.

Requirements:

• Strong organisational and time management skills with great attention to detail.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Clear communicator able to build strong working relationships with overseas suppliers and internal teams.
• Knowledge of shipping incoterms, freight documentation, and supply chain compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Confident on MS Office, especially Outlook and Excel.