KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBLILIES: · Sourcing Strategy Delivery: Implement the agreed Create products sourcing strategy aligned with DGUK commercial objectives, by identifying sourcing opportunities to reduce costs, improving product quality and ensuring supply reliability. · New Product Development: Support UK team in the development of existing product development and innovation to drive incremental sales and margin growth. Work closely with suppliers’ development teams to co-develop new concepts and ensure technical and commercial feasibility. · Supplier Identification & Qualification: Develop a robust supply base for all paper products to minimise supply risk and improve competitive leverage. Work closely with the UK and Compliance teams to evaluate and onboard as required. · Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with partner suppliers, monitoring performance and holding regular business reviews. · Cost Negotiation: Negotiate pricing for all Create products, ensuring volume leverage and product re-engineering is considered to maximise margin delivery in your categories. Monitor external factors such as raw material prices, currency fluctuations and regulatory changes that could impact overall sourcing costs and provide rationale to the UK teams. · Supplier Visits & New Product Identification: Regularly visit supplier showrooms and production facilities to capture new product concepts. Attend relevant local trade shows to support UK team in the development of new products. · Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the UK product, creative and compliance teams to align sourcing activities with product launch timings and customer requirements. · Customer Relationships: Support UK team with customer supplier visits and development meetings as required. Directly liaise with Asia sourcing hubs for customers as required. · Task Progress: Regularly inform the Head of Asia Sourcing of project progress and highlight any concerns to gain support. · Support for Merchandising Function: Collaborate with the Merchandising team to assist in delivery of confirmed orders as required. · Collaboration across DG International: Work closely with DG International colleagues in Ningbo to share best practices and promote a collaborative, solution-focused culture. · Personal Development: Ensure you maintain a high level of understanding of our core product categories and customer requirements. Support others with your knowledge and expertise. INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS: · Office based role with frequent visits to suppliers. · Degree level/equivalent qualification. · Previous experience in sourcing, or supply chain management roles required, preferably within consumer goods, packaging, or a related industry. · Good understanding of the Asia manufacturing landscape, with hands-on experience in China as minimum. · Proven ability to evaluate, onboard, and manage suppliers to meet cost, quality, capacity, and compliance targets. · Strong negotiation skills and managing complex stakeholder relationships. · Demonstrates a creative approach to sourcing, with the ability to contribute to product development and diversification. · UK retail landscape understanding is preferable but not essential. · Strong communication and presentation skills with high proficiency in written and spoken English and Mandarin. · Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.