Position: The Leather Goods Raw Materials Purchase Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of high-quality raw materials used in the production of leather goods and shoes. The manager will work closely with suppliers, manufacturer, and internal team to ensure that materials meet the company's standards for quality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This role requires a deep understanding of leather materials, market trends, supply chain management, and negotiation. Job responsibilities: Develop and execute purchasing strategies for leather goods raw materials to support production plans and company objectives. - Source new suppliers while managing existing supplier relationships to ensure a reliable supply of quality materials at competitive prices. - Monitor global market trends related to leather, têxtiles, adhesives, hardware components, dyes, and other relevant raw materials. - Coordinate with design and product development teams to understand material requirements including specifications, quality standards, and aesthetic considerations. - Lead negotiations with suppliers on prices, terms of payment, delivery schedules, and contracts to achieve optimal terms for the company. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge on sustainable sourcing practices; identify opportunities for introducing environmentally friendly materials into the product lines. - Oversee the raw material inventory levels ensuring adequate stock is maintained without overstocking or understocking. - Collaborate with logistics departments to manage shipping arrangements from suppliers to manufacturing facilities or warehouses. - Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions by diversifying suppliers or developing contingency plans. Profile: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or a related field. A Master’s degree would be an asset. - Minimum 10 years of experience in purchasing or procurement within the leather goods or footwear industry. - Strong knowledge of leather processing techniques as well as synthetic alternatives. - Proficient understanding of regulatory compliance pertaining to leather goods manufacturing (e.g., REACH regulations). - Excellent negotiation skills coupled with strong analytical abilities for cost models analysis. - Proven track record in developing effective supplier partnerships that enhance product quality and profitability. - Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written are essential for communicating with diverse stakeholders internally as well as suppliers globally. - Strong organizational skills are required to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail when assessing material quality and compliance against specifications - Advanced problem-solving capabilities are necessary when dealing with unexpected supply issues or changes in market conditions that affect material availability or pricing. _LORO PIANA _ MAISON: - Originally from Trivero in northern Italy, the Loro Piana family began trading wool in the early 1800s. In 1924, Pietro Loro Piana founded Ing. Loro Piana & C., the current company. Pietro’s nephew Franco took over in 1941, and after the war the firm began to establish its reputation as a supplier of premium wool and cashmere têxtiles for a growing haute couture industry, both home and abroad. In the 1970s, Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana took up the reins, diversifying into luxury goods and developing an international retail arm. Now the world’s foremost cashmere processor, Loro Piana prides itself on sourcing the very finest, rarest raw materials the world has to offer, including unique cashmere from baby goats in northern China and Mongolia, vicuña from the Andes, extra-fine Merino wool from Australia and New Zealand and lotus flower fiber from Myanmar. The company draws on both time-honored traditions and state of the art technology to offer its discerning customers products that are renowned for their peerless quality. All of the company’s collections of ready-to-wear garments and accessories are made in Italy to the highest standards of craftsmanship and sartorial excellence.