Lapicida is currently recruiting for a
PURCHASING MANAGER
Job Title: Purchasing Manager
Reporting to: Managing Director/Operations Manager
Location: Harrogate (8am-5pm)
Key Responsibilities:
To assist the Managing Director maximize the profitability of each product sector by controlling stock levels, intake and category margins, thereby optimizing sales potential across all channels including showrooms, stores, concessions and third party partners. To seek every opportunity to optimize sales, margin and inventory performance.
Key Result Areas & Responsibilities:
Merchandise Planning
Assist with the creation of range plans at department, category and location/ channel level.
Formulating, reporting and controlling the Open To Buy (OTB) process.
Advise the Finance department of all pro-forma payments required to ensure timely delivery of products
Propose and agree promotional and markdown activity as necessary to manage stock effectively and profitably.
Merchandise Administration
In a timely, speedy and accurate manner ensure new SKUs are created to support the quotation process for the Sales team as well as provide a smooth transition from new product selection to introduction.
Communicating to the business when SKUs/Ranges are discontinued and running down stocks, if applicable.
Update all supplier databases ensuring that prices, technical information, sizes, images and contact details are regularly reviewed and updated.
Ensure all documentation is completed in order for products to be delivered according to specified delivery dates.
Check and approve all delivery notes against purchase orders and receipting of stock within the system.
To deal with any inbound damages, working with suppliers to obtain credits/replacements, whilst ensuring any shortages for customers are carried out in a speedy manner and the customer service team are fully aware.
To manage sample requests from suppliers ensuring the warehouse is aware of their arrival and they are delivered to the correct recipient.
Advise the Finance Department of all pro-forma payments required to ensure timely delivery of products.
Feedback to suppliers any quality control issues and ensure that credit notes are raised when appropriate.
Ensure all outstanding commitment is reviewed and accurately reported, cancelling balances when appropriate
Ensure maintenance of data integrity across all locations and arrange regular transfer of stocks between locations to ensure replenishment is effectively managed to maximize sales success.
Stock Management and Procurement
Produce intake schedules and ensure accurate use of reporting of stock movement
Maintain stocked items to agreed levels to ensure that no sales are lost through being ‘out of stock’
Place back to back orders for special order items ensuring they meet project timelines and liaise with Customer Service team accordingly
Ensure weekly communication tools are used to advise Sales and Customer Service teams of delivery schedules.
Actively chase and communicate the status of purchase orders with suppliers against lead times, communicating this on the system, but most importantly to the customer service team if customer orders will be impacted. To offer solutions if a delay arises.
Act as a point of contact for all sales channels to ensure best use of stock throughout the business.
Assist Managing Director with sourcing new suppliers as required to achieve best quality at efficient cost.
Maintain accurate supplier records including terms and contracts
Ensure intake is delivered in line with agreed WSSI/MSSI plans to maintain optimum company stock levels
Analysis of sell through by location and channel to ensure optimum product and line mix is achieved.
Make recommendations to the Managing Director regarding actions required to balance stocks, maintain margins and sales initiatives required.
Produce regular reports on sales performance by category including price architecture highlighting gaps in the assortment and opportunities to improve
Reporting
To build an effective suite of reports for all areas of the business to manage stock efficiently and act as a central coordinator for this activity.
To proactively manage the reporting tools to manage the company inventory
Build ad hoc reports for the wider business using the Navision system and its associated reporting tools.
Ensure a thorough understanding of Lapicida product and associated product categories.
Maintain awareness of Lapicida target market and direct competitors across all channels including international
Responsibilities
Interpreting results and providing sound recommendations to executive team to protect/maximize profit.
Work closely with logistics/distribution teams to manage stock mix and inventory during peak trade periods
Delivery of business KPIs.
Managing relationships with third party partners ensuring product ranges are maximised, reviewed and refreshed on a seasonal basis if required
Coordinating stock requirements for all marketing initiatives and new collection launches
Leading and developing the merchandising team to ensure implementation and adherence to best practice and company standards
Key competencies and values:
Self-Starter
Exceptional presentation and communication skills are essential
Exceptional understanding of the industry and sector in which the company operates
Delivery of both internal and external customers to the highest of standards
To work closely and collaboratively with the operations and sales teams to ensure a strong team spirit is constantly reinforced
Being seen as an expert in the field bringing specialist skills to the team
Ability to work closely with colleagues across all locations
Demonstrate excellent numeracy skills
Use and development of business wide reporting tools
Consistently demonstrate importance of data integrity
Key qualities:
Honesty
Numeracy
Integrity
Professionalism
Team player
Sense of humour
Sensitive to the intricacies of a small business, with a hands on approach
To act as a professional Brand Ambassador at all times
