Stock Co-ordinator, Niwaki Chiltern Street, London
To apply for this role, please first read the full job description.
Then, if you fit the bill, please email your CV and a supporting statement telling us what you can bring to this role to careers@niwaki.com.
Reporting to Niwaki Product Development and Procurement Manager
– Overall purpose –
To co-ordinate and support Niwaki’s product development, procurement and logistics
– Main work location –
Initially at Chiltern street and then in a central London location nearby
– Hours –
37.5 per week, typically 9 to 5 and some flex working hours for Japanese time
– Contract –
Permanent
– Main duties –
Co-ordinate the stock procurement and management processes and ensure the database is up to date at all times. Specifically:
- Ensure product information is up to date, e.g. new or amended product specifications, prices and price increases, faulty products, accessory products, partnership/branded products, etc.
- Ensure stock level records are accurately maintained at all times
- Create and manage barcodes, ensuring accurate up to date records are kept
- Ensure anticipated production and delivery timelines are recorded and kept up to date
- Record key supplier information, changes, such as contact details, etc.
- Carry out regular audits and reporting as required and ensure key internal stakeholders are kept up to date
Liaise with Niwaki Warehouse re stock management, including:
- Scheduling and arrivals, e.g. change in shipping dates, etc
- Issues and queries relating to stock levels including barcoding, stock availability and adjustments, low stock, accessory products, partnership/branded products, etc.
- Closely monitor stock arrivals against purchase orders and invoices to identify discrepancies
- Issues relating to quality or damaged stock
Work with Niwaki Japan and Niwaki suppliers on stock procurement and management to the UK to ensure:
- Timely placement of stock orders, e.g. new/replacement stock including obtaining quotes, setting up purchase orders, recording key/contract information
- Liaison regarding estimated delivery schedules, e.g. changes, delays, etc
- Resolving queries and issues relating to quality or damaged stock
- Arranging sample shipping
- Co-ordinate procurement and delivery from suppliers to Niwaki Japan as needed
- Co-ordinate the procurement and delivery of ‘accessory’ stock, e.g. tags, packaging, clothing and other labels etc.
- Maintain good working relationships with suppliers and manufacturers
Support the Product Manager in the creation and management of a well-managed production plan, and specifically:
- Prepare reports to support the Product Manager in decision-making
- Provide general administrative support to the Product Manager
- Provide regular updates to the Head of Marketing and Wholesale Manager on new and current stock procurement and lead / estimated delivery timelines
- Keep up to date with Niwaki Marketing and Events planning to anticipate stock demand, e.g. increased demand, demand for specific products, etc.
- Liaison with suppliers when they are at maximum production capacity to identify solutions and communicate back to key internal stakeholders
Support the Product Manager with longer-term planning, forecasting and other product development work, including:
- Development of new products and specifications
- Development of new suppliers, e.g. dedicated Niwaki textile partner
- The development of new labelling and packaging, including certification and compliance with international labelling requirements, e.g. care labels
- Liaison with suppliers regarding the development, production and procurement of special lines, e.g. for Niwaki partner brands
– Other duties –
- Undertake any other reasonable duties, as directed, e.g. helping at Niwaki Chiltern Street
- Deputise for the Product Manager, and attend Managers’ Meetings as necessary
- Attend and work at any location, e.g. Niwaki HQ, Niwaki Japan, Niwaki shows and events
- Willingness to travel in the UK and occasional travel overseas may be required.
– Personal –
- Fluent English and Japanese speaker
- Strong knowledge of Japanese culture, customs and ways of communicating
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
- Strong, clear articulate communicator
- Well organised with an ability to plan and manage competing priorities
- Close attention to detail and accuracy e.g. numerical data
- Ability to work independently in fast paced environment and deal with change
- Strong IT skills and confident in learning new systems
- A strong understanding of Niwaki ethos essential
- Knowledge of etiquette and ability to operate within Japanese business environment
- Some experience in stock control, ordering and fulfillment
- Strong understanding of customer service and customer-focused
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Can-do approach and a proactive problems solver
- Understands the need for and maintains confidentiality
- Previous experience in a similar role, e.g. product procurement, buying or related field is an advantage
- Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier negotiation, and product development cycles is a plus.
- Ability to travel and attend Niwaki HQ, and/or other shows
- Right to work in the UK and leave to remain in the UK