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 Northamptonshire
Situated in the East Midlands, Northamptonshire is a ceremonial county that shares a border with eight others, including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire.
A number of large communities are located within Northamptonshire, making the county a good place for those seeking Buyer opportunities. These include Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough. There's also the county seat, Northampton, which is less than 70 miles from London and about 50 miles from Birmingham.
The region has long been known for shoemaking and the manufacture of leather goods. A number of factories in Northampton were established in the 19th century and still exist today, making fine specialty footwear. These include Edward Green shoes, Trickers, Church's and Crockett & Jones.
Many of the old shoe factories in the region that are no longer used for manufacturing have now been converted to residential accommodation or office space. Indeed, much of Northamptonshire has gone through significant redevelopment since the 1970s and the local economy is now based in the service sector and retail.
Other companies located in the region, or with large facilities, include Avon, Weetabix, Barclaycard, Panasonic, Travis Perkins, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Timsons, Cummins UK, Carlsberg, Nationwide Building Society and Texas Instruments.
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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