Sourcing and buying lead

Job Description

Carl Friedrik is a modern luxury brand specialising in high-end leather goods and travel accessories, known for its commitment to craftsmanship, timeless design, and operational excellence. As Head of Supply Chain, you will lead the end-to-end supply chain and procurement strategy, ensuring seamless coordination between suppliers, production partners, logistics providers, and internal teams.

Your mission will be to drive efficiency, quality, and profitability across all supply chain operations — from sourcing and purchasing to logistics and distribution. This strategic leadership role requires a blend of analytical rigor, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of premium product manufacturing and fulfilment.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing scalable systems and processes that support Carl Friedrik’s growth, ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and superior quality standards. Collaboration is key — you’ll work closely with the Product Development, Design, and Merchandising teams to ensure that every product meets the brand’s standards and reaches customers with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead the global supply chain strategy, covering development, procurement, purchasing and logistics.

• Develop and implement operational systems to improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness across the supply chain.

• Lead the purchasing and sourcing strategy, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance aligned with commercial objectives.

• Oversee and continuously optimise financial planning and budgeting for supply chain operations, ensuring alignment with company profitability goals.

• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate agreements, and monitor performance to maintain premium material sourcing and ethical standards.

• Oversee the order lifecycle, including order entry, planning, order book management, and shipping target setting.

• Utilise advanced Excel and analytical tools to monitor supply chain metrics, forecast demand, and generate data-driven insights.

• Develop and maintain robust financial and numerical models to evaluate cost structures, pricing impacts, and inventory efficiency.

• Optimise processes and logistics flows, leveraging data-driven insights to improve lead times, and reduce costs.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Design, Operations, and Finance to ensure full alignment from development to delivery.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to support scalable, sustainable growth.

• Present regular performance reports and financial summaries to senior leadership, supporting strategic decision-making.

Your Profile

• Degree-level qualification in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, Finance, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in end-to-end supply chain management, ideally within premium or consumer goods sectors.

• Strong analytical and commercial mindset, with a track record of driving measurable efficiency and cost improvements.

• Advanced Excel and numerical analysis skills, with the ability to create and interpret complex financial and operational models.

• Solid understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting within a supply chain or production context.

• Deep knowledge of procurement, production planning, logistics, and order management systems.

• Experience working with international suppliers and manufacturers, ideally within the luxury or fashion accessories industry.



• Highly organised, proactive, and results-driven, with excellent communication and negotiation skills.