Procurement Specialist

As a Procurement Specialist in the EC Department at Lush Limited, you will be based in the Production rooms, managing inventory planning and accuracy so that the teams have everything they need to produce and supply our global markets. You will be responsible for end-to-end inventory management: planning material usage against production and order schedules, keeping the system in line with the physical stock in the room and with established processes, and supporting and training the teams on the ground in best practice.

You will also purchase goods for the department. Communication is key in this role, as you will work with many teams to keep production running smoothly.

• Oversee the management of the overall stockholding, which ranges from £4m off peak to £6m at peak across over 460 EC raw materials, packaging, and third-party lustres
• Review material stock holdings and create run-down and discontinuation plans for Lush Manufacturing, updating them as needed
• Support the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) by collaborating with the project team on its overall strategy and delivery
• Maintain clear time frames and procedures for materials' QC processes, both individually and collectively
• Act as back-up Stock Controller during holidays and sickness: book deliveries, verify weights and quantities, document any discrepancies or quality issues, and quarantine affected material

• Take ownership of the day-to-day purchasing of materials and packaging, ensuring requirements are accurately identified, orders are placed in a timely manner and materials are available to support production
• Raise and manage purchase orders based on agreed pricing, historical usage, forecasts, stock levels, lead times and available storage capacity
• Review material requirements for new and existing ranges, both individually and collectively, against forecast demand and any additional requirements, ensuring orders are aligned with production needs
• Maintain regular day-to-day communication with suppliers, providing order requirements, confirming quantities and delivery dates, and resolving any queries or issues that arise
• Liaise closely with the Imports team to coordinate material delivery dates, freight options and import requirements, ensuring materials arrive when required
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and supplier deliveries, proactively identifying potential delays or shortages and communicating these to the relevant teams
• Work closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Creative Buyers, Imports and other relevant teams to maintain material availability and support changes in demand, production requirements and new product launches
• Support the resolution of material issues, working with suppliers and internal teams to address shortages, discrepancies, damaged or incorrect deliveries and secure appropriate replacements where required
• Process invoices promptly and resolve any discrepancies with suppliers and the Lush Limited Accounts team
• Purchase ad hoc consumables and materials that are not available through Lush Manufacturing, monitoring spend, identifying suitable alternatives and setting up supplier accounts where recurring purchases are required
• Monitor controllable cost of goods sold (COGS) and identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, reduce waste and avoid unnecessary expenditure
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and information, ensuring supplier, order, pricing, delivery and material data is kept up to date

• Provide clear, concise and timely updates to relevant teams and stakeholders, ensuring important information is communicated at the right time and to the right people
• Work closely with the Stock Controller, Creative Buyers,…