Procurement Manager
Location: Remote (Home Based - UK)
Working Hours: This is a UK-based role supporting US stakeholders. Flexibility to accommodate US time zones is required from time to time, balanced with a flexible and outcome-focused approach to working hours.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
We're looking for a proven and experienced Procurement Manager to join our established and growing branded merchandise provider operating within the US collegiate market.
This is a UK-based role with a strong US focus, working primarily with US universities, campus stores, suppliers, and partners. The successful candidate will bring deep buying experience to a growing business in the university campus store space, where we drive customer engagement by delivering high-quality branded merchandise with passionate, world-class service.
Reporting into senior leadership, the Procurement Manager will work closely with US-based store managers and retail operations teams to develop inventory strategies that maximise sales growth and profitability, while supporting forecasted demand across our US customer base.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Monitor and analyse US consumer, fashion, and collegiate retail buying trends, as well as broader trends within the branded merchandise industry
* Source and evaluate apparel and branded merchandise for the US collegiate market, selecting items that meet in-store, organisational, and online customer needs while adhering to pricing, quality, decoration, and freight cost standards
* Conduct merchandise planning and rate-of-sales analysis, managing the end-to-end inventory strategy including new and seasonal buys, reorders, and end-of-life markdowns based on sell-through and planned product life cycle
* Analyse and evaluate US in-store and online sales performance, partnering with store managers and Retail Operations to adjust inventory strategies accordingly
* Develop and present commercial and trend analysis to influence future buying decisions and assortment strategies
* Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers to achieve best value and service levels
* Ensure timely delivery of products and compliance with purchase contracts, factoring in international logistics and US distribution requirements
* Work with the administrative team to create accurate sales and purchase orders, ensuring all product, pricing, and shipping details are correct
* Collaborate with administrative teams, graphic artists, decorators, and suppliers to create virtual samples and decoration-ready artwork suitable for branded merchandise
* Monitor open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery, proactively resolving issues and mitigating future risks
* Expedite or defer orders as required based on inventory levels, trading performance, and demand changes
* Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive value improvement, supply chain optimisation, and sourcing strategies
* Lead the reconciliation of purchase order discrepancies between suppliers, store managers, and the accounting team
* Provide a high level of service to internal customers, recommending alternative products or supply options when required
* Analyse reports to identify sales trends and recurring production or shipping issues, sharing insights with senior management
* Travel as required, including US buying trips, supplier visits, trade shows, and industry events, to remain up to date with market trends.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Minimum 5 years' experience in a retail buying or procurement role, preferably within apparel or branded merchandise
* Minimum 5 years' experience working directly with suppliers, ideally including overseas or US-based suppliers
* Strong applied knowledge of forecasting, transportation, supply chain, inventory management, and warehousing
* Experience working with international markets, particularly the US, is highly desirable
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, and SharePoint
* Knowledge of branded merchandise and apparel decoration techniques is advantageous
* Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritise, organise, and manage multiple deadlines
* Strong financial acumen with experience presenting commercial data and analysis
* Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
* Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
* Proven ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels, including senior leadership
* Results-driven with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business need
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the UK.
This role operates on UK employment terms, despite its primary focus on the US market.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme
- Eye Care Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Buy and Sell Annual Leave
Equals One is an advertising and recruitment agency working on behalf of our client to promote this vacancy. You may be contacted directly by the employer should they wish to progress your application. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful