At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage sourcing and procurement for 24,000+ items across 15 suppliers.
- Company: Join UK Greetings, a leading publisher of greeting cards and celebration products.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, enhanced family policies, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to celebrating life's special moments.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role that supports global sourcing and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a sourcing, procurement or supply chain professional to join the team as a
Global Sourcing Controller .
This commercially focused role manages products through sourcing, procurement and manufacturing, while building supplier relationships and supporting value, quality, service and security of supply.
Managing the delivery of 24,000+ items annually across 15 suppliers, you’ll play an important role in maintaining product availability, supporting commercial performance and delivering a reliable service to customers.
You’ll also contribute to supplier sourcing, tendering, contract negotiation, performance management and procurement strategy.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll take ownership of sourcing and procurement activity from purchase order handoff through production and delivery. Responsibilities include:
- Managing purchase orders through to delivery, resolving discrepancies and keeping orders on track.
- Monitoring global production and coordinating customer and Private Label delivery schedules to meet demand and deadlines.
- Working closely with suppliers to manage production capacity, lead times, costs, quality and delivery performance across a portfolio of suppliers and procurement categories.
- Manage a portfolio of suppliers and procurement categories, ensuring optimum quality, service, cost and delivery performance.
- Leading or supporting supplier sourcing, tendering, benchmarking, RFQs and contract negotiations.
- Developing supplier agreements and contractual arrangements to support sustainable commercial outcomes.
- Evaluating supplier performance through reviews, audits and KPIs, and identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, delivery, service and efficiency.
- Assessing supplier and procurement risk, including capacity, financial stability, continuity planning and diversification.
- Resolving production or shipment delays collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams.
- Providing volume and material forecasts and supporting inventory planning to maintain continuity of supply while balancing service, stockholding and working capital requirements.
- Monitoring market and industry developments to identify opportunities for the business.
- Supporting compliance and audit readiness, including FSC, EUTR and retailer requirements.
- Supporting procurement strategy, cross-functional projects and improvements to sourcing processes and systems across UK, Asia and US operations.
- Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with experience in global sourcing, procurement, supply chain or a related area.
Experience in a fast-paced, multi-product or multi-customer environment would be helpful, and we welcome candidates with transferable experience from other sectors or settings.
You’ll be able to organise and manage multiple priorities, work to important deadlines and maintain accuracy.
You’ll enjoy collaborating with others and building constructive relationships with suppliers and colleagues across different teams and locations.
- We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate some of the following:
- Experience in global sourcing, procurement, purchasing, manufacturing or supply chain.
- Supplier relationship management and commercial or contract negotiation experience.
- Commercial awareness, including an understanding of costs, inventory and business performance.
- Experience with strategic sourcing, tendering, benchmarking or category management.
- An understanding of supplier performance, risk assessment, audits or continuity planning.
- Effective organisation, planning and project coordination, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- An analytical, solutions-focused approach with attention to detail and the ability to use data to support decisions.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel and Office; familiarity with MRP or ERP systems would be useful.
- Clear communication and the ability to work effectively with suppliers, colleagues and stakeholders.
- An interest in improving and documenting processes and ways of working.
A degree, CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement experience would be useful.
We recognise, however, that relevant capability can be developed through different career paths and encourage you to apply if you believe your experience equips you for the role.
Knowledge of product costing, production, sourcing in Asia, marketing processes, card and gift-dressing specifications or similar ERP systems would be useful, but isn’t essential.
If you don’t meet every point but believe your skills and experience are relevant, we encourage you to apply.
Working relationships
You’ll report to the Global Sourcing Team Leader and collaborate with teams including Product Management, Creative, Marketing, Inventory, Customer Delivery, Warehouse Operations, Finance, Procurement, Audit and Legal Compliance.
Externally, you’ll build positive relationships with suppliers in the UK and internationally and our sourcing teams in Asia to support agreed cost, quality, service and delivery requirements.
This role has no direct line management responsibility, although you may share knowledge and support colleagues across the team.
What will help you succeed
You’ll be comfortable taking responsibility for your work, using your judgement and collaborating with others to move things forward.
You’ll prioritise effectively, raise concerns constructively and work with suppliers and colleagues to reach practical, commercially considered solutions.
You’ll coordinate multiple products, suppliers and deadlines, identifying potential issues early while balancing attention to detail with wider commercial priorities.
We value different experiences, perspectives and ways of working and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
If you need reasonable adjustments or support during recruitment, please let us know.
Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team
Who we are
We help make the world a more thoughtful and caring place every single day with our greeting cards, gift dressings and party supplies products created for life’s big events, special occasions, and those “saw-this-and-thought-of-you” moments in life.
Along with our sister company John Sands, who are based in Australia and New Zealand, we’re part of the American Greetings Corporation, one of the largest privately owned greeting card publishers in the world.
As the largest direct to retail publisher of greeting cards and social expression products in the UK, we are the celebrations destination.
You’ll find our amazing products in major supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent stores across the UK and internationally, as well as digital online marketplaces.
Here at UK Greetings we take pride in being an inclusive and diverse employer - we are dedicated and committed to building a culture where difference is valued and everyone is able to fulfil their potential at work regardless of their background.
Among the great benefits of working at UK Greetings are
- Hybrid Working, working from home and our Dewsbury offices with flexibility around start and finish times
- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Free onsite parking at Head Office sites
- Employee discount shop
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- Development opportunities; offering qualifications from Level 3 to 6
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee wellbeing support including Mental Health First Aiders
- Employee Recognition scheme
So if you have a passion for greeting cards and celebrations products and would love to be part of a talented team, you’re in the right place!
Global Sourcing Controller in Dewsbury employer: UK Greetings Careers
UK Greetings is an excellent employer, offering a flexible and inclusive work environment in Redruth that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Casual Merchandiser, you'll enjoy the opportunity to engage with local retailers while receiving full training and support, making it a rewarding role for those who love meeting new people and embracing fresh challenges. With potential pathways to permanent positions and a commitment to employee well-being, UK Greetings stands out as a great place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Sourcing Controller in Dewsbury
✨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 UK Greetings Careers.
✨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 Global Sourcing Controller in Dewsbury
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 UK Greetings Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UK Greetings Careers. 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 UK Greetings Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Greetings Careers
✨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 UK Greetings Careers!
✨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 UK Greetings Careers. 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 UK Greetings Careers's culture.