Strategic Buyer

Learn more about us and the role:Could you be our new Strategic Buyer? 
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the team based at our Bretton Park site in Dewsbury. 
  
This role will be pivotal in merging two essential functions into one dynamic role, combining the aspects of procurement and project management.
Gemma is recruiting into her team.
Who are we looking for? 
We are looking for a tenacious and confident self-starter with a genuine passion for 3D Product. A pro-active approach and a can-do attitude are essential to the success of this role.
You will be responsible for ensuring cost-effective procurement and driving innovation in product development.  You will also managing critical timelines so strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital for fostering effective collaboration with both internal departments and external supply partners.
The ideal candidate for this role should possess exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail, which are crucial for managing complex procurement processes and ensuring the precise fulfilment of product specifications.  Additionally, strong analytical skills and effective communication abilities are essential, as they will enable you to assess supplier proposals thoroughly and convey your findings.
Technical proficiency, particularly in Excel is a must for proficient data analysis and reporting.
Key activities & responsibilities include:
Procurement and Cost Management:
•Take ownership of the entire procurement process, from receipt of tender / specification, cost analysis, ordering, quality control through to supplier relationship management.
•Develop and maintain a database of supplier performance metrics to ensure quality, delivery, and cost goals are met.
•Establish combined key performance indicators to assess supplier performance and measure metrics encouraging continuous improvement.
•Implement a cost-effective strategy while upholding product specifications and quality standards.
•Proactively identify and resolve invoice queries to maintain smooth financial transactions.
•Issuing tenders and requests for quotations, receiving back and deciding the best course of action through analysis and negotiation.
Product Development and Innovation:
•Have a comprehensive understanding of product specification with the knowledge to support re-engineering in support of cost & value 
•Guarantee clear value for money in product development, aligning with cost of goods targets and quality requirements.
•Possess Manufacturing knowledge to optimise the most efficient product specifications to deliver competitive cost of goods.
Project Management:
•Negotiate lead times with suppliers and manage the production of finished samples to ensure on-time delivery.
•Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to execute projects seamlessly.
•Oversee critical paths and conduct supplier negotiations to meet project deadlines.
•Efficiently resolve disputes related to quality control, pricing, and sample approval to maintain project momentum.
•Commercial invoicing for FOB customers
•Management of KPI’s and initiatives for the department by participating in specific projects.
 Team Management:
•Provide leadership and direction – support them in prioritising and managing their workload.
•Assume responsibility for the recruitment, development, and performance management of your direct report(s).
•Effectively allocate and manage time and resources for direct report(s), optimising their productivity and professional growth.
 Direct Supplier Contact:
•Maintain proactive and open communication channels with suppliers to discuss ongoing projects, address issues, and provide support as needed.
•Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to foster open and transparent collaborative communication.
Manufacturing Strategy:
•Contribute your insights and expertise to the implementation of the organization's manufacturing strategy, ensuring alignment with sourcing goals.
This role operates in a hybrid working pattern of office-based days and working from home.  Head Office is based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.  There is a requirement for you to be in the office a minimum of 2 days.
If you believe that you have what it takes to make a difference in this role, apply today!Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:Who we are We believe in making the world a more thoughtful and caring place by helping every person celebrate and create meaningful connections with our greeting cards and gift dressings - created for life’s big events, special occasions and those “saw-this-and-thought-of-you” moments of life.  Along with our sister Company John Sands, we’re part of the American Greetings Corporation, one of the largest privately owned greeting card publishers in the world.
We are the largest direct to retail publisher of greeting cards in the UK - so you’ll find our amazing products just about everywhere!
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, work from home or at our Dewsbury headquarters
• Employee Benefits Platform
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Free onsite parking at Head Office sites
• Colleague Discount Shop
• Auto-Enrollment Pension Scheme
• Leadership development opportunities, Levels 3, 5 and 7
• Online Doctor and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
• Employee Recognition scheme
 
So, if you feel like the role ticks all of the right boxes and you would love to be part of a talented team, you’re in the right place!