STRATEGIC SOURCING & PROCUREMENT MANAGER
Position: Full-time, office based in Islington, North London (with the opportunity for one discretionary work-from-home day per week following successful completion of probation).
Location: N1 3QP, Islington, North London
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 plus performance bonus
ABOUT I WISH
I Wish is a fast-growing strategic sourcing company supplying licensed and promotional merchandise to leading entertainment brands, museums, attractions and retailers across the UK and Europe. We work with some of the world’s most recognised organisations, including Harry Potter retail stores, The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland Paris, Universal Pictures, Danone, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and many others.
We source and deliver products ranging from drinkware, stationery and bags to collectibles, souvenirs, gifts and seasonal merchandise.
Our reputation is built on creativity, competitive pricing, ethical sourcing and reliable delivery. As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an enthusiastic and commercially minded Experienced Product Merchandiser to join our procurement team.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is not a traditional buying role.
We are looking for a commercially minded sourcing professional who can help build a modern procurement function, develop strategic supplier partnerships and support the growth of the business.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of procurement at I Wish, helping us build sourcing capability across both the UK and China while supporting our vision of becoming a leading strategic sourcing partner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Strategic sourcing across Asia, Europe and the UK.
· Supplier identification, development and relationship management.
· Cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives.
· Negotiation of pricing, lead times and commercial terms.
· New product sourcing and innovation.
· Development of approved supplier programmes.
· Supplier performance measurement and scorecards.
· Product compliance, testing and quality management.
· Supporting sales and design teams with product development.
· Attending trade fairs and supplier visits in the UK and internationally.
BUILDING THE PROCUREMENT FUNCTION
A key part of this role will be helping to build and strengthen procurement capability across the business.
Responsibilities will include
· Helping develop the UK procurement team.
· Supporting the creation of procurement and quality control capability in China.
· Developing procurement processes, systems and best practices.
· Creating scalable sourcing procedures to support future growth.
· Working with suppliers and quality control partners to achieve zero-defect manufacturing.
· Identifying future procurement talent and supporting recruitment.
· Driving continuous improvement across sourcing, quality and supplier management.
OUR VISION
We believe the future of sourcing is about more than simply finding the lowest price.
We are building a business focused on:
· Strategic sourcing.
· Long-term supplier partnerships.
· Zero-defect manufacturing.
· Ethical and sustainable sourcing.
· Innovation and product development.
· Technology and AI-enabled procurement.
· Delivering exceptional service to clients.
WHAT YOU'LL BE WORKING ON
· Licensed retail merchandise
· Promotional merchandise and gift with purchase campaigns
· Collectibles and souvenirs
· Drinkware and homeware
· Stationery and accessories
· Seasonal merchandise
· Bespoke product development projects
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
· Significant experience in sourcing, procurement or buying.
· Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
· Experience sourcing from China and international markets.
· Excellent commercial awareness.
· Strong organisational and project management skills.
· The ambition to help build and lead a growing procurement function.
· A positive, entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
BENEFITS
· Performance-related annual bonus
· 22 days holiday plus public holidays
· Company pension scheme
· Complimentary breakfast essentials in the office
· Modern office space in Islington with kitchen, breakout areas and showers
· Discretionary one work-from-home day per week following successful completion of probation
· Opportunities for international travel and supplier visits
· Career development opportunities within a growing business
We are looking for people who enjoy a challenge, want to learn, and are excited by the opportunity to help build a growing business.
If you are ambitious, organised and passionate about sourcing great products, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
