We are thrilled to announce we are recruiting for a Senior Procurement Manager for Direct Imports. This role will have overall accountability for the delivery of the 3 year strategy for Direct Import and annual procurement plan with ownership of the Direct Import supplier and agents relationships.
The successful applicant will lead the direct import sourcing plan and own the relationship with offshore suppliers and agents. Engagement with key stakeholders across the matrix commercial, finance, supply chain and quality teams will be critical to the role as well as a proven ability to influence at a senior management level.
Key responsibilities:
Define and execute the long term import sourcing strategy and vision ensuring alignment to the commercial category customer proposition and range review plans
Strategic leadership to identify, initiate and drive change programs that optimise organizational effectiveness.
Experience of contract law in relation to Heads Of Terms, KPIs, supplier contracts and trading terms while remaining grounded in commercial principles. Knows when to stop and seek formal contractual guidance and advice.
Strong project/program management & leadership skills with the presence and credibility to influence with and without authority in a matrix structure in order to secure buy-in to strategic solutions and programs.
Strong data and analytics capability, high level of professionalism.
Ability to communicate complex information to internal and external audiences, and able to embed information in an interactive, insightful way that is relevant and appropriate to the teams involved that gets a decision made.
Lead the tender process for GFR products suppliers and freight forwarders through the FE agents, Wickes category teams and Wickes supply chain team ensuring that the full value chain is optimised and total cost of ownership understood to exceed the annual COGs reduction and cost of failure plan.
Lead the Direct suppliers product and packaging objectives within ethical sourcing, plastics recycling and the circular economy by developing, evolving and executing the business product sustainability strategy to ensure the successful delivery of short, and long term commitments through the supplier base
Strong working experience of international shipping complexities (includes INCOterms, commodity codes, waste costs, complexities of customs deferment and duty recovery) that will enable you to support commercial and supply chain teams to drive cost efficiencies through the direct supply chain
Work closely with cross functional team to ensure key business policies are adhered to when making sourcing decisions
Able to work in diverse environments and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Highly analytical and with a detailed mindset that will support the operation of the commercial tools that manage FOB costs (in Euros and USD) into sterling delivered cost, through currency and transport fluctuations.
Highly proficient negotiator able to work with multiple priorities and projects.
Engage and influence stakeholders and senior management across the business to ensure alignment and sign off on sourcing plans.
Represent Wickes to FE agents and be a strong ambassador to the business in order to maximise efficiencies and develop long term strategic relationships
Manage the risks and opportunities to ensure all stakeholders are kept informed of any P&L impacts as a result of changes in sourcing approach.
Be the ‘expert’ in direct imports and the central point of contact for the wider business.
A proven ability to lead and manage through a matrix team structure and through direct reports. Demonstrates personal humility and integrity promoting team before self, with the ability to forge strong working relationships with other colleagues, delivering business goals through a cross-divisional ethos.
Prepared to travel as necessary/appropriate in the performance of duties
What are we looking for?
A commercially experienced leader with a proven track record of success, you will be highly motivated, innovative, tenacious and be able to work in a fast paced environment. Well versed in working on high profile and complex projects, you will show exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to create and sustain long term partnerships. With commercial acumen, a keen eye for detail and proven experience in delivering complex projects, you will drive our Direct Import strategy to achieve Wickes 5 year plan.
To succeed within this role, you will have 5-10 years global sourcing experience within retail, DIY or trade counter categories, strong analytical skills, proven project management expertise and bags of self awareness along with the communication and presentation skills.
What can we offer you?
Wickes’ culture is a best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please note: All offers of employment are subject to DBS / background checks
Please contact us if you require any adjustments within the application process, wickesrecruit@wickes.co.uk If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview.
