About the Role

Scolmore is recruiting for a Project Procurement Buyer to join our busy Project Procurement team.

Main Duties

Manage projects from inception, through to Supplier selection, quotation assessment, sample approval and product introduction
Improve prices and terms of business with Suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings, utilising effective negotiation skills
Provide analysis on costs, including new and existing, and review cost reductions through regular benchmarking
Researching, selecting and procuring quality products and materials
Building relationships with suppliers and negotiating with them for the best price, quantities and delivery timescales
Understanding the target market and analysing trends in order to make informed buying decisions
An understanding of commodity codes and how to use them correctly when assessing landed costs
Coordinating with supply chain team, management, and warehouse
Monitoring the stock quality and escalating any discrepancies to suppliers and management
Analysing data or insights to determine industry and consumer trends regarding the product and category
Creating and developing a strategic long-term plan for the development of the category
Developing an exit strategy for unsuccessful products
Building and driving relationships with key suppliers to improve pricing and quality of services
Working with purchasing team to ensure appropriate orders to maintain product availability
Leading category management projects to optimise ranges
Collaborating with buyers and sales to expand product categories
Working with commercial teams to assist with creating forecasts for product demand to ensure sustainability of inventory
Establish new Suppliers and arrange necessary assessments, factory audits and compliance to proceed with initial orders
Developing strong working relationships with buying, marketing, sales and other internal teams
Prepare reports and updates to internal stakeholders as and when required

Essential Skills and Experience

Previous experience in a buying or purchasing role
Ability to analyse and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
Strong persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
An analytical mind with strategic ability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to aid negotiation
Proficient in MS Office
Good understanding of numeracy
Commercial awareness
Ability to make decisions
Ability to cope with pressure and adapt to situations
Able to work well in a team
Good organisational skills
A degree in a relevant subject, such as business, marketing, mathematics or finance or suitable experience as a buyer in a previous role
Ability to travel overseas for trade fairs and supplier visits to countries such as China, India, Vietnam etc. depending on project requirements

Desirable Skills and Experience

An understanding of MRP systems is beneficial but not essential
CIPS Qualification or working toward this would be beneficial