Purchasing and Planning Team Lead

Kelly Jennings & Associates have been retained by Tailored Image, a leader in bespoke workwear and corporate clothing solutions, to appoint a Purchasing and Planning Lead. This newly created role will play a pivotal role in propelling the company's ambitious growth plans. Boasting over 25 years of expertise in designing, manufacturing, and supplying corporate uniforms and workwear throughout the UK and Ireland, Tailored Image is a highly respected family-owned business, offering a collaborative work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are prioritised. As a key member of the senior team, the Purchasing and Planning Lead will have the opportunity to shape the future of the company's supply chain and contribute to its ongoing success. Tailored Image's vision - to be the brand of choice for fully managed uniform solutions, delivered by a trusted team who really care, while ambitious, will be achievable in no small part due to this key appointment. The company is amidst a period of change and transformation, with plans to integrate a new ERP system and streamline processes and procedures across all departments. As the Purchasing and Planning Lead, you will oversee the end-to-end purchasing and planning process, managing a stock budget of approximately £20 million. Your role will involve driving and implementing strategic initiatives across the business to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, manage, and develop the Purchasing and Planning teams Oversee training and development, performance management, ensuring all team members maximise their potential Process Improvement: Review current supply chain processes and practices within the business Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement projects Purchasing Management: Manage the purchasing process to ensure on-time, in-full delivery (OTIFD) Conduct critical path analysis and root cause analysis Supplier and Stakeholder Management: Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, monitor and assess performance, and handle escalation of issue Interact with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and budget-compliant product deliver Process and System Implementation: Undertake process mapping and implement new processes and systems Inventory Optimisation: Forecast and optimise inventory and purchases to ensure best value for the business Manage change initiatives using statistical methods and software tools for inventory needs, prediction and management Contract and Risk Management: Contract management duties Identify and mitigate supply chain risks Data Analysis: Interpret and analyse data to inform decision-making Technology and Process Integration: Evaluate and integrate new technologies and innovative practices in supply chain management to enhance efficiency and effectiveness Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Technical and Commercial departments to ensure alignment between product development and supply chain capabilities Global Trade Compliance: Formulate strategies to meet global trade regulations, including import/export laws, tariffs, and trade agreements What Were Looking For: To be considered for this role, you should be able to demonstrate the following: Ideally, you will be educated to degree level or equivalent in business, supply chain or a related subject. You should have substantial experience in a similar role (5-7 years) which has included direct management of a team of people with different skill levels Excellent experience in purchasing and inventory management required Strong supplier management experience essential Excellent experience of supply forecasting/planning Experience in dealing with freight forwarders and good knowledge of customs processes Strong analytical skills Experience with ERP systems essential to include demand planning software Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing effective solutions Desirable: Experience from a similar environment (FMCG / manufacturing/distribution) Knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies Experience of ERP implementation How to Apply: If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for supply chain excellence, we invite you to apply using the link on this advert. Please send an updated CV, which clearly demonstrates your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria above. Note to agencies: Kelly Jennings & Associates has been retained on an exclusive basis to manage the search and selection process for the Purchasing and Planning Lead for Tailored Image. Speculative CVs from agencies will be forwarded to Kelly Jennings & Associates to be screened and assessed along with all other candidates. Neither Kelly Jennings & Associates nor Tailored Image will be liable to pay fees resulting from unsolicited speculative introductions. Please note you must hold a current, valid UK work permit to be considered for this role. Unfortunately, my client is not able to provide sponsorship for this position at this time. #purchasingandplanninglead #supplychainexcellence #tailoredimage #dungannon #supplychainjobs Skills: Team Leadership Supplier Management OTIFD Stakeholder Management Process Improvement MRP Benefits: Fully negotiable salary Discretionary bonus Pension