Chorley – Office based (modern working environment with free parking)
£37,000–£42,000 per annum (with flexibility for an exceptional candidate)
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (office based)
Reporting To
Head of Operations
This is a pivotal role in managing international purchasing, production coordination and freight operations.
Working closely with factory partners across the UK and Asia, you will ensure production plans remain on track, purchase orders are managed effectively, and international freight is delivered on time and at the most cost-effective rate.
The successful candidate will build strong supplier relationships, monitor factory performance, coordinate international logistics, and provide valuable insight to support purchasing decisions and continuous supply chain improvement.
Responsibilities
Purchasing & Production Coordination
Manage day to day communication with factory partners across the UK and Asia to ensure efficient production and supply chain execution.
Monitor factory work-in-progress (WIP) against production plans, identifying risks and escalating potential delays.
Track factory capacity, production loading and available manufacturing slots to support seasonal planning and purchasing decisions.
Measure and report factory On-Time Ex-Factory (OTEF) performance, driving continuous improvement with suppliers.
Coordinate purchase orders from placement through to shipment, ensuring all critical milestones are achieved.
Maintain accurate production trackers, shipment schedules and supplier performance reports.
Liaise with internal Product and Sales teams to provide regular updates on production status and delivery timelines.
Build strong relationships with factory partners to resolve production issues and improve operational efficiency.
Freight & Logistics
Plan and manage international freight movements across sea, air and road where required.
Secure the most cost-effective and reliable freight solutions while balancing delivery deadlines and customer requirements.
Negotiate freight rates and manage relationships with freight forwarders, shipping lines and logistics providers.
Monitor freight costs, transit times and carrier performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings and service improvements.
Ensure all shipping documentation is accurate and compliant with international trade and customs requirements.
Coordinate inbound deliveries to warehouses, ensuring timely receipt of goods and accurate inventory availability.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Analyse supply chain KPIs including factory performance, shipment accuracy, freight spend, transit times and delivery performance.
Identify opportunities to improve purchasing, production planning and logistics processes through data-driven recommendations.
Support seasonal planning, product launches and key customer delivery programmes to ensure stock availability.
Skills & Experience
Essential
Proven experience in purchasing, production coordination, supply chain or logistics.
Strong understanding of global manufacturing operations, particularly working with factory partners in Asia.
Significant experience managing international freight across multiple modes of transport.
Demonstrated ability to secure cost-effective freight solutions while maintaining excellent service levels.
Knowledge of import/export documentation, customs procedures and international shipping regulations.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple suppliers, purchase orders, shipments and competing priorities.
Strong analytical skills with experience using Microsoft Excel and ERP or supply chain management systems.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective supplier relationships.
Proactive, detail-oriented and able to thrive in a fast-paced international environment.
Desirable
Experience within manufacturing, apparel, retail or consumer goods.
Knowledge of Incoterms and customs compliance.
CIPS, CILT or other relevant supply chain/logistics qualification.
Personal Attributes
Commercially aware with strong negotiation skills.
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
Solutions-focused and proactive.
Confident communicator who builds strong internal and external relationships.
Analytical with a continuous improvement mindset.
Able to manage multiple priorities and perform well under pressure.
Collaborative team player with a hands-on approach.
What's on Offer
Competitive salary of £37,000–£42,000, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate.
Company pension scheme.
Annual leave plus bank holidays.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Supportive and collaborative working environment.
The opportunity to play a key role within a growing international supply chain.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process consists of two interview stages. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.
To apply for this fantastic opportunity send your up to date CV to (url removed) or call me on (phone number removed) for more information.
Please Note: Due to application levels, only successful candidates will be contacted directly.
INDBSO
Salary description
£37000.00 - £42000.00 per year