Assistant Manager

About the Role

As an Assistant Manager within Supplier Engagement, you will play a key role in implementing our Supplier Engagement Strategy, driving adoption of our new supplier portal and managing the performance of our digital freight forwarder.

A key aspect of the role involves actively engaging with our strategic suppliers, supporting the manager in developing and executing the on-boarding plan for the Supplier Portal as well as participating in monthly/quarterly operational meetings to build collaboration and continuous improvement across both Harrods & our brand partner supply chains.

Key responsibilities include:

• Playing an integral role in implementing and driving adoption of the new supplier portal. Serve as the direct point of contact with suppliers, supporting their onboarding journey and ensuring a seamless transition while ensuring appropriate SRs are raised for any IT/SAP work required.
• Training both internal teams & suppliers on Supplier Portal system to ensure seamless knowledge transfer in time for go-live, offer further support and guidance for optimal utilisation of the portal.
• Ensuring escalation of EDI message issues follow the appropriate process with Cegidem, and  resolution KPIs are adhered to.
• Leading a team of co-ordinators to ensure accurate inbound delivery information, through updating line level POs to support resource and capacity planning in our distribution centre. As an Assistant Manager you will be responsible for developing the team, conducting Monthly Performance Reviews, identifying training and development opportunities and acting as an escalation point.
• Being an SME in our digital freight forwarding platform, while collaborating and managing the performance of carriers against KPIs through analytics and reporting. Lead regular performance and process reviews, suggesting improvements in ways of working to ensure continuous improvement for our business including the roll-out of incoterm switching.
• Collaborating with Supply Planning analysts to advance the Supplier Engagement strategy by identifying key suppliers to approach and actively contribute to meetings by providing insights into operational performance metrics.
• Supporting the business teams by helping them understand the benefits of EDI and the use of the portal across the company, expanding on how it supports their commercial plans & can improve margin.
• Attending and deputise for the Supply Chain Planning Manager in meetings with distribution management to provide updates on all inbound deliveries, forecast accuracy, freight forwarding performance, and other supply chain metrics.

About You

You should be able to work flexible hours/days and demonstrate the ability to adapt to the changing demands of the role, and Deputise for the Supply Chain Planning Manager when required and support out-of-hours implementations and projects. You should also be available to travel occasionally to the Distribution Centre in Thatcham.

About Us

Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination for top designers, and the most sought-after brands from around the globe. Our combined mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.

Our Promise to You

Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business. 

Uniquely You

At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

While our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you do not meet every desired criteria but feel you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role as well as a genuine interest in working for Harrods and you can demonstrate an alignment with our values, we would encourage you to apply.

If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods