Buyer jobs
Whether a company operates in the medical, manufacturing, construction, education or defence sector - or another industry - it is essential to find the right supplier for the goods and services that the business uses. That's why Buyers are so important to commercial success.
Of course the role of a Buyer isn't just to make the necessary purchases. The job will also require careful research and negotiation to ensure that projects are finished on time, under budget and to the quality standards you require.
Depending on the role and employer, a Buyer may also be responsible for monitoring existing suppliers - in terms of cost, performance and reliability - keeping track of inventory levels and chasing up deliveries as appropriate.
The skills required
As a member of the procurement team, a Buyer should have a strong understanding of how to choose the best supplier for each project. Good numerical and analytical skills are essential and you must be able to negotiate prices and contracts confidently.
Buyers should also have good communication skills and be able to build strong relationships with suppliers.
Working within a global market, it is likely that the suppliers you deal with will be based in other locations like European or Asian countries, so an appreciation of cultural differences and an ability to communicate in foreign languages can be extremely beneficial.
In some cases, the job may also involve a significant amount of travel - to meet the suppliers in person and see the products before entering a contract.
Buyer Jobs in Harlow
During the post-war period as Britain was faced with rebuilding millions of shattered homes and re-housing their inhabitants, a radical solution was to build a series of new towns. Most cities of the UK have some form of new town within them or in their orbital range. Harlow in Essex was one such town. Situated 20 miles (33 km) north east of the centre of London, it was a grand project, with thousands of homes as well as industrial, shopping, entertainment and communications infrastructure being built around what was a village dating back at least to the Domesday Book.
Expansion was steady, taking place between the late 1950s and the 1970s, as jobs were created and the town became a reasonably attractive place to live. Although manufacturing was once a major industry in Harlow, it has since declined, and now the economy is largely service-based. The large factories have recently been demolished and smaller units for start-ups have been built with the hope of kickstarting a new tech sector. However the town is still home to some major employers, most notably GlaxoSmithKline and American defence firm Raytheon.
The town is well placed to serve London, situated as it is on the M11 that runs from the capital to Cambridge, and there are also good rail links to both cities. Stansted Airport is just 20 minutes up the motorway, too. With much regeneration going on in the town, it’s likely that the demand for Buyer jobs will grow over the coming years. Keep checking back or get in touch if you’d like us to search the area for such positions.
Popular locations
Find Buyer vacancies with Cast UK
Here at Cast UK, our team of recruitment experts specialise in helping fill vacancies in supply chain management, logistics and procurement.
Each of our consultants has worked in these industries themselves, and they have a strong understanding of what makes the best candidate for each position. In addition, we endeavour to get to know you on an individual level, ensuring we understand your personality and long-term objectives, as well as your unique skills and abilities.
Cast UK works with clients and candidates in locations across the country to match the best talent to every role. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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