Procurement And Supplier Sourcing Specialist

Role Overview

This role blends market trend intelligence with hands-on global sourcing. You will monitor UK market trends, identify fast-moving and high-demand products, and find reliable suppliers worldwide who can deliver those products to specification. You'll research trade shows, factories, and manufacturing hubs, then shortlist suppliers that fit our brand, price points, and quality standards.

This is not a passive purchasing role;  this is a proactive, high-initiative position where you will help shape what we sell, who we work with, and how we scale. Once workflows are proven, we plan to expand the team and region giving you a clear progression path into a leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Track UK-specific product trends across TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Facebook, and other platforms
• Identify fast-rising products, categories, and niches suitable for white-label and dropshipping models
• Research and build supplier pipelines in China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other relevant regions
• Shortlist suppliers with details: LOW MOQ, price bands, lead times, quality certifications, shipping options
• Research and log relevant global trade shows (e.g. Canton Fair, Global Sources, IndiaMart events) and identify exhibitors for outreach
• Negotiate with suppliers to get samples, price quotes, and manufacturing capabilities
• Work closely with the founder to develop a repeatable sourcing and launch workflow
• Maintain an organised database of suppliers, trade shows, and product trend data
• Provide weekly reports with recommendations on which products to prioritise and why

Required Skills & Experience

• 5 to 10 years in procurement, sourcing, or e-commerce product research (company environment preferred)
• Strong understanding of e-commerce platforms and UK consumer buying behaviour
• Familiarity with how social media algorithms surface trending products (TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)
• Excellent research and analytical skills,  ability to dive deep and verify data
• Experience sourcing products globally (Alibaba, Global Sources, 1688, IndiaMart, etc.)
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to evaluate supplier quality vs cost
• Highly self-motivated, able to work independently and manage multiple projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience attending or researching international trade shows
• Knowledge of white-label and dropshipping supply chain models
• Experience building supplier scorecards and price-comparison spreadsheets
• Basic understanding of import duties, shipping options (FOB/CIF/DDP), and UK compliance

Performance Indicators (First 30 90 Days)

• Identify 817 promising products/niches with supporting trend data
• Build a supplier shortlist (min. 20 vetted suppliers) per category with price, LOW MOQ, lead times
• Deliver a number of sourcing platforms and verified trade show lead lists with exhibitors and contacts
• Present weekly product opportunity reports with actionable next steps