About Us
MattressNextDay is one of the UK's largest and fastest-growing independent mattress and bed retailers. We're on an ambitious growth journey, and we're looking for a commercially sharp Purchasing Manager to help drive the next stage of that growth.
The Role
This is a pivotal role in the business. You'll shape our buying strategy, optimise stockholding, drive down cost of goods through skilled supplier negotiation, and own the product lifecycle from sourcing through to launch. You'll play a key part in growing our own-brand offering — one of our top strategic priorities — while leading a small team of planning and purchasing professionals.
You'll report directly to the Directors, working closely with them to shape product strategy, and will collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Warehouse/Logistics, and Sales teams to bring the right products to market at the right price.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the day-to-day running of the Purchasing department — from stock ordering and supplier relationships to troubleshooting issues as they arise
- Optimise stockholding processes, ensuring stock is held in the right locations to maximise fill rates, minimise excess stock, and reduce stockouts
- Own the Netstock demand planning platform, ensuring data and forecast accuracy at all times
- Own demand forecasting and drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy
- Manage purchasing risk and develop contingency plans where needed
- Meet regularly with suppliers to review performance and strengthen product portfolios
- Negotiate cost price, payment terms, and commercial agreements with suppliers
- Manage supplier relationships
- Increase gross profit margin through improved cost pricing and retail pricing strategy
- Own retail pricing strategy, balancing competitive, value-for-money pricing with healthy margins
- Own the promotions calendar, ensuring strong promotional coverage throughout the year in partnership with suppliers
- Own the product lifecycle and new product roadmap, ensuring successful product launches
- Source new beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture in line with wider business objectives
- Grow the business's own-brand offering — a key strategic priority
- Provide input into in-store merchandising and product selection to maximise in-store sell-through
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 2 Planning and Purchasing professionals
- Work closely with Marketing/Merchandising on new product launches
- Work with Warehouse teams to ensure effective planning of stock flow through the business
- Work closely with the Directors, incorporating their input into product strategy
About You
- 3-5 years' experience in Procurement/Buying at manager level, ideally within furniture, beds, or a related category
- Proven people management experience
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with Marketing, Warehouse/Logistics, and Sales/Customer Service teams
- Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders
What We offer
- Hybrid working (3 days per week in Whitstable office)
- Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum
- Company car
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company car
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Whitstable CT5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Purchasing: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Whitstable CT5
