Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager Newhaven, UK Quintessence is a niche fragrance company, part of the global LUCTA group, specialising in Fine Fragrance, Personal and Air Care. With operations in UK, India, Europe, US and China we give a global service to our selected clients, which is one of the many reasons we are growing significantly faster than our competition. As the Purchasing Manager you will lead the direct purchasing of raw materials while supporting the wider category management. You will work with and manage a team for sourcing day-to-day production requirements, overseeing performance, providing support, training, and developing tools needed to optimise purchasing operations and streamlining supply chain. In collaboration with the global purchasing team headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, you will lead the Quintessence sourcing strategy for new products and services, ensuring alignment with business needs, cost-efficiency, and sustainability targets. The successful applicant will need to have a proven global track record in negotiating large scale contracts with leading manufacturers and distributors of fragrance ingredients and essential oils. Due to the nature of this role we are unable to support complete remote working so applicants must be willing to relocate to the South Coast of England where our UK operation is based. We regularly visit our vendors so you must be prepared to travel when the business requires. Key Responsibilities: · Develop and execute global purchasing strategies for raw materials, essential oils, aroma chemicals, and packaging components used in fragrance production. · Collaborate with Lucta central buying to outline proposals for optimal purchasing strategies and to follow Group Purchasing Policies. · Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with international suppliers of fragrance ingredients, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality consistency, in line with company policy. · Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, ensuring long-term partnerships and favourable terms for the company. Visit the local UK and international suppliers when necessary · Prepare and present monthly and annual reports on cost evolution, supplier performance and risk mitigation · Stay abreast of industry trends, sourcing innovations, and regulatory changes affecting fragrance ingredients and sustainability efforts. · Implement a procedure of tenders for second and third line products in line with Global Purchasing disciplines. · Inspire, mentor and develop the purchasing team, set clear goals and drive a culture of accountability and growth. · Collaborate with perfumers, R&D and Quality teams, and marketing departments to align purchasing decisions with fragrance creation and branding goals. · Ensure compliance with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) regulations, global safety standards, and environmental policies. · Optimize supply chain efficiency, managing vendor performance, risk mitigation, and timely delivery of fragrance components. · Evaluate supplier performance through regular quantitative reviews. Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) in line with Global Purchasing, and taking corrective actions as needed. · Oversee inventory management, demand forecasting, cost optimization and cash flow while maintaining production timelines. Essential Skills Required: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Business Administration, or equivalent in a related field. Previous experience in a similar role, with proven success in managing team-level deadlines, optimising performance, and achieving strategic objectives. Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, with a deep understanding of raw materials used in fragrance production. Knowledge of global regulatory standards, including IFRA guidelines and REACH compliance. Familiarity with sourcing sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients, as well as responsible sourcing initiatives. Experience working with perfume houses, contract manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers worldwide. Experience in working within a group of companies, with proven collaborative working patterns and initiatives. Proficiency in purchasing software, SAP, ERP systems, or other data analytics for cost analysis. Exceptional communication, cross-cultural collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Benefits we offer: · Competitive rates of pay · 28 days holiday (Including bank holidays) which increases with service · Company pension scheme · Life insurance · After a qualifying period you will be eligible for profit share, occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity/adoption/paternity pay · Free off road parking Quintessence is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To apply for this role please submit your CV with a cover letter detailing why you feel you are suitable for this role. We have a specific timescale to appoint and train so this role may be removed before the closing date.