Retail Construction - Materials Buyer

About Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics North America

Lush North America supports 252 retail stores in Canada and the USA, a business based in Canada, and manufacturing centers in Vancouver and Toronto. Lush is known worldwide for our unique bath and beauty products. We pride ourselves on amazing skin and hair care, personalized customer service, environmental activism and a vibrant store atmosphere. We believe it's our responsibility to advocate for the environment, animals and people in need. We're passionate about giving back to organizations locally and around the world.

The Role: Retail Construction - Materials Buyer

Buying is firmly embedded at the heart of Lush. We are a passionate, committed, resourceful team working hard to embody the ethics of the Company in everything we do. You will get the chance to harness your interest and experience in Design / Construction materials and processes, acting as the subject expert for the North American market. This is an an exciting opportunity to join the Ethical Buying Team as a Retail Construction - Materials Buyer, sourcing top quality materials that align with our ethics, delivering the creative vision set by our Design teams while carefully controlling costs. You will work collaboratively with your UK counterpart and the Shop Space and Planning team (Store Design and Construction).

Reporting to the Ethical Buying Manager, your core RESPONSIBILITIES will include:

• Full assessment of existing suppliers Construction materials and Sundries
• Working with Design, R&D, UK SSP (Shop & Space Planner) buyer and external suppliers to develop localized design solutions and innovative new options for consideration.
• Working with suppliers, Shop Design & Construction teams to create timelines for new launches, project managing the items to ensure everything is delivered in a timely manner and clearly communicating changes to timelines to all involved.
• Developing and sourcing new items, ensuring they meet Lush’s quality standards and ethical values, and advising stakeholders on the best options.
• Research and analyze all new materials, striving to reduce or eliminate the production of waste and pollution during design, construction, operation, and end of life.
• Advising internal teams (North America and global partner markets) on most appropriate local solutions related to environmental impact and industry cost.
• Finding local suppliers able to supply approved specification materials, or suitable alternatives that match environmental and financial requirements.
• Ensuring new suppliers are compliant with all applicable Lush’s Ethical policies.
• Negotiating prices and lead times for all materials under the Buyer’s remit, compiling pricing and procurement processes and getting items set up on the system internally as required.
• Develop and support a local internal testing and sign off process for new materials to ensure all options are fit for purpose
• Clear communication with other global Buyers within Lush.
• Working closely with the Design team and construction project managers on material specifications, prices and supplier information.
• Visiting suppliers, compiling trip reports and attending trade shows to make new contacts, build upon materials archive and bring inspiration to the teams
• Building and maintaining a supplier database – identifying new potential suppliers and understanding their capacities and ethics.
• Supporting the sourcing of other materials as required such as retail & spa sundries.

What You Bring

You bring the following QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of experience in the North American Retail Fit Out and Construction industry with US experience preferred.
• Demonstrable negotiation skills that showcase ability to reduce costs.
• Organized, solution focused, and collaborative team player.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Analytical thinker with strong determination, curiosity, and great problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to react quickly and build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Comfortable presenting findings to the team and the wider business, providing context and rationale for your recommendations
• Ability to work well as part of a team whilst being confident to work independently.
• Strong ability to research your portfolio of materials in a dynamic and proactive way, identifying innovative new options and taking ownership of delivering projects in a timely and successful manner.
• True passion for ethical Buying coupled with a real understanding of our company ethics.
• Occasional travel to NA stores & offices is required.

Key Skills/Competency

• Construction Materials Sourcing
• Ethical Procurement
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Cost Negotiation
• Project Management
• Retail Fit-Out
• Supply Chain Logistics
• Waste Reduction
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Collaborative Communication