Note: We have updated the job title for this role, from Procurement Lead to Raw Materials Coordinator, to better reflect the level and responsibilities for this role.

Raw Materials Coordinator

Rapha creates the finest cycling clothing and accessories in the world. Designed without compromise for the most discerning rider, Rapha products blend optimum performance, the finest fabrics and modern style. At Rapha, it’s our purpose to inspire the world to live by bike.

We are seeking a Raw Materials Coordinator to manage raw material bookings and maintain stock levels with our suppliers, ensuring alignment with the Critical Path. In this role, you will serve as the key liaison between R&D and production, acting as the primary contact within the Production & Sourcing team for our Tier 2 suppliers. This is a great opportunity for someone with strong negotiation skills and a solid understanding of performance fabrics and sustainability.

The Role:

• Manage raw material bookings with tier 2 suppliers in accordance with the Critical Path, ensuring material meets factory requirements in terms of delivery and quality.
• Actively problem solve and negotiate with suppliers to combat pricing and MOQ issues, working cross functionally to find solutions to excess liability.
  
• Track material stock holding for carry over lines and excess materials.
• Onboard new suppliers ensuring all commercial terms are agreed and kept up to date in PLM.
• Review and update sourcing policies annually to include accepted frameworks for recycled, animal welfare & other responsible sourcing content claims.
• Map the Tier 2 supply chain and relevant subcontractors to ensure full traceability, requesting social and environmental audits and working with suppliers on remediation plans.
• With the support of the Production & Sourcing Leads, collate all seasonal transactional certificates.
• Work with the Head of Materials and Head of Production & Sourcing to update the benchmarking framework to build out our Tier 2 supplier strategy.
• Guide the R&D team with target material cost prices by product/price point.
• Work with the materials team to provide estimated volumes and roadmaps for new developments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with our Tier 2 suppliers.

About You:

• Proven experience within Raw Material Procurement, Production or a similar role, ideally with experience of performance fabrics.
• Analytically minded and able to work with large data-sets, with previous experience in a PLM system, ideally Centric.
• Proven track record of successful negotiations.
• Highly competent with Excel, able to build complex formulas.
• Able to work at a fast pace and prioritise what's important.
• Appreciation for sustainability.

Highly motivated, clear communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a good understanding of stakeholder management.

Working at Rapha 

We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer.

• Flexible working hours
• Support ad-hoc remote working during the week - Minimum 3 days in office
• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
• Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
• We offer a flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle to cycling through our Getting Started Scheme.
• We offer all our employees a 50% apparel discount and a discount for family and friends
• An annual clothing allowance
• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
• Company Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay