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
Were 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, in
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