Job Description: Senior Procurement Manager
Who are we?
Studio Ashby is an internationally recognised interior architecture and design studio founded by Sophie Ashby in 2014. With studios in London and Cape Town, we are a growing team of designers, creatives and specialists delivering luxury residential, hospitality and commercial projects across the UK and internationally.
We are known for creating thoughtful, characterful interiors that combine timeless design with contemporary living. Alongside interior architecture and design, our expertise spans creative direction, bespoke furniture, art consultancy and procurement, enabling us to deliver beautifully considered environments from concept through to installation.
We pride ourselves on our positive, professional and personal approach in everything we do. Collaboration sits at the heart of our business, and by working closely with our clients, consultants, craftspeople and suppliers, we deliver projects of exceptional quality whilst fostering an ambitious, supportive and creative culture across both studios.
What do we do?
Our mission is to create habitable spaces with identity. Whether designing a private home, boutique hotel, restaurant or commercial environment, we begin by understanding the people who will inhabit the space and designing around the way they live, work and experience it.
Art sits at the heart of our creative process. Inspired by Sophie Ashby’s background in art history, we believe every interior should tell a story through carefully curated layers of furniture, materials, objects and artwork, creating spaces with warmth, authenticity and soul.
Beyond interior architecture and design, we provide creative direction, art consultancy, bespoke furniture, styling and procurement to deliver complete, immersive environments. From planting and fragrance to uniforms, books and bespoke collaborations, every detail is carefully considered to ensure our clients’ vision is reflected across every touchpoint.
Relationships are fundamental to our success. We work collaboratively with clients, consultants, makers, artisans and suppliers around the world, believing that exceptional design is built on exceptional partnerships. We believe the design process should be an inspiring and enjoyable experience, creating spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Head of FF&E, the Senior Procurement Manager is responsible for leading the procurement function across Studio Ashby’s luxury residential and hospitality projects.
Working closely with the Head of FF&E, Senior FF&E Designers, Interior Architecture team, Finance team and suppliers worldwide, you will oversee every aspect of procurement from budgeting and supplier negotiation through to logistics, installation and project completion.
Combining exceptional organisation with commercial expertise, you will ensure every procurement programme is delivered efficiently, accurately and to the exceptional standards synonymous with Studio Ashby. You will also play a key role in developing procurement standards, supplier relationships and scalable systems that support the continued growth of the business.
What we’re looking for:
- Passionate about luxury interiors, craftsmanship and exceptional quality
- Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail.
- Commercially minded with excellent negotiation skills and financial awareness.
- A confident communicator able to build trusted supplier relationships.
- Calm under pressure with exceptional problem-solving ability.
- A collaborative leader who enjoys working alongside designers, finance and operations.
- Proactive with the ability to anticipate issues before they arise.
- Passionate about improving systems, processes and procurement best practice.
The ideal candidate must have:
- Experience: A minimum of 6–8 years’ procurement experience within. luxury residential or hospitality interiors.
- Procurement Expertise: Strong experience managing international FF&E procurement, logistics, warehousing, shipping and installations.
- Commercial Awareness: Excellent understanding of procurement budgets, forecasting, supplier negotiations, VAT, duties and cost reporting.
- Supplier Knowledge: Established relationships with luxury furniture, lighting, textile, art and bespoke suppliers globally.
- Systems: Strong proficiency using Programa, EstiMac, Design Manager or equivalent procurement platforms together with advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Communication: Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills with confidence working alongside designers, consultants, contractors and clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Strategy & Delivery
- Lead the procurement function across multiple luxury residential and hospitality projects from procurement strategy through to final installation.
- Develop procurement programmes aligned with project milestones, lead times and client expectations.
- Supplier Relationships
- Build and maintain exceptional relationships with suppliers, artisans, manufacturers and logistics partners.
- Negotiate commercial terms whilst protecting Studio Ashby’s quality standards and client expectations.
- Commercial Management
- Prepare procurement budgets, monitor expenditure, generate cost reports, support forecasting and identify value engineering opportunities without compromising design intent.
- Logistics & Installation
- Coordinate international shipping, warehousing, customs, VAT, duties and installation programmes, proactively resolving supply chain issues.
- Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and continually improve Studio Ashby’s procurement standards, supplier database, documentation and best practice.
- Champion procurement technology, AI tools and process improvements to support efficiency and scalability.
- Innovation & Department Development
- Drive continuous improvement through evolving procurement systems, AI tools, department standards, material libraries and best practice.
- Department Collaboration
- Work closely with the Head of FF&E, Senior FF&E Designers, Finance and Operations to ensure seamless project delivery.
- Support procurement proposals, fee submissions and commercial reporting.
- Leadership & Growth
- Contribute to the long-term development of the procurement function by mentoring colleagues, sharing knowledge and supporting the continued growth of the FF&E team.
At Studio Ashby, we’re passionate about creating exceptional interiors and building an exceptional team. If you’re an organised, commercially minded procurement professional who thrives on collaboration and delivering beautifully executed projects, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and covering letter in PDF format to careers@studioashby.com with the subject line ‘Senior Procurement Manager’.