What if your next role gave you ownership not only of procurement, but the opportunity to influence how an entire operational function works?
At David Harber we create internationally renowned sculptures, sundials and water features for prestigious private, commercial and public spaces around the world.
We're looking for a commercially astute Procurement & Operations Manager to help ensure our bespoke pieces move efficiently from design through procurement and production to delivery.
You'll take ownership of procurement, suppliers, materials and stock while coordinating day-to-day operations across our workshop and wider teams.
And there's plenty to improve. From introducing better processes and strengthening cost control to helping embed a new ERP system, you'll have genuine scope to make your mark and grow towards broader operational leadership.
The Role at a Glance
Procurement & Operations Manager
Oxfordshire - Fully site-based during probation, with potential for one day working from home thereafter.
£49,000 - £52,000 DOE
Full Time | Permanent
Company: Multi-award-winning, internationally renowned luxury sculptures, sundials and water features
Our Values: Creativity. Teamwork. Excellence. Collaboration. Pride
Environment: Bespoke Design | British Manufacturing | High-Value Products
Focus: Procurement | Supply Chain | Stock | Operations | Logistics
Systems: Sage 200 ERP | Inventory & Process Improvement
Career Progression: Opportunity to Develop Towards Head of Operations
About David Harber
David Harber Ltd is an internationally recognised British design business creating original sculptures, sundials and water features for private, commercial and public spaces.
Every piece combines creativity, craftsmanship, engineering and exceptional attention to detail, supported by a highly collaborative operation spanning design, specialist materials, skilled workshop production, suppliers, subcontractors and logistics.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Design & Operations Director, you'll become a central connection between Design, Production, Sales, Finance, suppliers and the workshop.
Procurement will be a major part of your role. You'll manage purchasing, supplier relationships, pricing, lead times and material availability, ensuring the business receives the quality it needs while maintaining tight commercial control.
You'll also oversee stock and materials, logistics, fleet and Health & Safety while identifying bottlenecks and introducing practical improvements to how the operation runs.
A particularly exciting project will be supporting the adoption of Sage 200 ERP, helping move stock and inventory management away from heavily manual processes and create better operational visibility.
Where You'll Make an Impact
Procurement & Supply Chain
• Lead day-to-day procurement and purchasing across materials and subcontracted services.
• Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate pricing, terms and lead times.
• Monitor supplier performance, expenditure and supply-chain risk.
• Ensure materials arrive at the right quality, cost and point in the production process.
Operations, Stock & Delivery
• Coordinate operational priorities from design through production, finishing and delivery.
• Own stock accuracy, inventory management and materials planning.
• Coordinate logistics, deliveries and fleet requirements.
• Support Health & Safety standards, records and processes across the site.
Improve How We Work
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
• Establish stronger processes, communication and accountability across departments.
• Support the successful implementation and adoption of Sage 200 ERP.
• Lead two direct reports and help develop the capability of the wider operational function.
About You
You'll ideally come from a hands-on manufacturing, engineering or bespoke production environment where you've worked closely with physical products, materials, suppliers and operational teams.
Experience within metalwork, stone, furniture, lighting, architectural products or similar British manufacturing environments could translate particularly well.
You may already be an Operations, Procurement or Supply Chain Manager. Alternatively, you could be a strong Buyer or Procurement professional who's ready to step into broader operational responsibility.
You'll Bring:
• Strong procurement, buying and supplier-management experience.
• Proven commercial negotiation and cost-control skills.
• Experience managing materials, stock and inventory.
• Strong operational planning and organisational capability.
• Experience improving processes and operational efficiency.
• Confidence working across multiple departments and priorities.
• A practical, proactive approach to problem-solving and accountability.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Even Better If You Bring:
• Bespoke or high-value manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of metals or specialist/raw materials.
• ERP implementation experience, particularly Sage 200.
• Production planning, logistics or fleet exposure.
• Health & Safety knowledge.
• Lean, Six Sigma or similar process-improvement experience.
Why David Harber?
You'll join at a point where there's genuine opportunity to improve systems, strengthen processes and take increasing ownership of how the operation works.
For someone ambitious to progress, there's also a clear longer-term opportunity to develop towards Head of Operations as the function and your responsibilities grow.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
If you're a procurement or operations professional who understands manufacturing and you're ready for greater ownership, influence and progression, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the next chapter of operations at David Harber Ltd.
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Salary description
£49000.00 - £52000.00 per year