Procurement Specialist - EC Department *internal applications only**

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Please note: We may close this vacancy early if we receive an overwhelming response or our business requirements change.

The Team Welcome to the EC Department at Lush Limited, where we proudly supply the vast world of Lush with elegant fragrances. Our department is truly unique, renowned globally for the sweet smell of success that surrounds us. Stepping into our space promises an enchanting floral bouquet aroma. As a department of over 30 individuals spanning operational, support, and R&D needs, we take great pride in being the best-smelling bunch within Lush, and our responsibility extends to maintaining the unmistakable scent that defines Lush products.
The Role 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.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Stock Management

- 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 timeframes 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

Purchasing & Supply Coordination
- 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
Communication & Teamwork
- 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, Planning, Manufacturing and other relevant teams to maintain appropriate stock levels and ensure materials are available and suitable for production, both for individual cycles and longer-term requirements
- Monitor and communicate delivery progress, shortages, expected arrival dates and any concerns relating to material availability or quality, ensuring potential issues are highlighted early and managed proactively
- Work closely with relevant teams to support new product launches, ensuring required materials and packaging are ordered and available in line with launch and production requirements
- Escalate potential supply issues at the earliest opportunity, providing clear information on the impact, expected timescales and any actions being taken to minimise disruption
- Participate in team and wider business meetings, providing relevant updates on stock, upcoming demand, material requirements, supplier deliveries and purchasing activity
- Build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with suppliers and internal teams, supporting effective day-to-day communication and collaboration

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

- Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, stock control, supply chain or a similar operational role is desirable
- Experience of inventory management, material requirements planning (MRP) and working with forecasts and demand information
- Good understanding of how different departmental functions work together and the material and product set-up requirements needed to support production
- Confident using Microsoft Office and ERP systems; experience of ERPNext is desirable
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess information, anticipate potential issues and consider different scenarios
- Forward-thinking and proactive, with the ability to plan ahead and manage competing priorities
- Highly organised, with strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple orders, suppliers and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong attention to detail, particularly when working with quantities, dates, pricing, stock information and purchase orders
- Solution-focused, with the ability to identify issues, take appropriate action and escalate where necessary
- Able to organise and present information clearly so that it can be easily understood and acted upon by others
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to communicate effectively with suppliers and colleagues across different areas of the business
- Able to work independently, take ownership of day-to-day responsibilities and contribute positively as part of a wider team

Benefits

- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- 6 months of full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver must qualify for SMP)*
- Enhanced paternity leave*
- Bonus scheme
- Day off for weekday birthdays
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted rail and bus season tickets
- Employee assistance programme
- There’s a big difference between "Flexible Working " (the legal minimum) and working flexibly. What that looks like varies from role to role and location to location. We actively welcome conversations about what working flexibly could mean and look like for you.
- We’re 10% Employee Owned - all colleagues play a role in protecting our ethics, our independence, contributing ideas for the future and share in the rewards of success when the company is doing well.
- Wellbeing & mindfulness sessions
- Access to employee-led Community Networks, including Disability and Chronic Illness, Family Support, Global Majority (Race and Ethnicity), LGBTQIA+, Menopause and Neurodiversity communities.
- Tailored gender affirming care*
Qualifying period/hours required*
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