Procurement Manager

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 industrySource 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 standardsConduct 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 cycleAnalyse and evaluate US in-store and online sales performance, partnering with store managers and Retail Operations to adjust inventory strategies accordinglyDevelop and present commercial and trend analysis to influence future buying decisions and assortment strategiesNegotiate commercial terms with suppliers to achieve best value and service levelsEnsure timely delivery of products and compliance with purchase contracts, factoring in international logistics and US distribution requirementsWork with the administrative team to create accurate sales and purchase orders, ensuring all product, pricing, and shipping details are correctCollaborate with administrative teams, graphic artists, decorators, and suppliers to create virtual samples and decoration-ready artwork suitable for branded merchandiseMonitor open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery, proactively resolving issues and mitigating future risksExpedite or defer orders as required based on inventory levels, trading performance, and demand changesCollaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive value improvement, supply chain optimisation, and sourcing strategiesLead the reconciliation of purchase order discrepancies between suppliers, store managers, and the accounting teamProvide a high level of service to internal customers, recommending alternative products or supply options when requiredAnalyse reports to identify sales trends and recurring production or shipping issues, sharing insights with senior managementTravel 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 merchandiseMinimum 5 years’ experience working directly with suppliers, ideally including overseas or US-based suppliersStrong applied knowledge of forecasting, transportation, supply chain, inventory management, and warehousingExperience working with international markets, particularly the US, is highly desirableProficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, and SharePointKnowledge of branded merchandise and apparel decoration techniques is advantageousStrong time management skills, with the ability to prioritise, organise, and manage multiple deadlinesStrong financial acumen with experience presenting commercial data and analysisExcellent problem-solving and decision-making skillsExcellent verbal, written, and presentation skillsProven ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels, including senior leadershipResults-driven with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs

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 SchemeEye Care SchemeHealth Cash PlanBuy and Sell Annual Leave

 

INDHS

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.