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 Sunderland
A local district in the county of Tyne and Wear, Sunderland is situated at the mouth of the River Wear and for hundreds of years, the region served as a port, mainly trading products like coal and salt.
Throughout the Industrial Revolution, Sunderland's economy was based on industries like brewing, glassmaking, pottery and rope making.
From the 14th century onwards, Sunderland was also an important place for shipbuilding. In 1814, there were 24 shipyards in the region and by 1840 this number had risen to 65. By the middle of the 20th century, a significant portion of the country's merchant and naval ships were produced here.
The last of the shipyards, however, closed in 1988 and much of the other heavy industry has also disappeared from the region. Today, the economy of Sunderland is now mainly based in the service sector, although a number of factories and production facilities still exist.
Those seeking Buyer roles in Sunderland will have a range of options to consider and a number of companies operate regional offices, warehouses and other facilities in the region - including Littlewoods and LG Electronics.
Berghaus, an outdoor clothing manufacturer has its head office in Sunderland and so does Arriva, the public transport company. The 2 Sisters Food Group, which supplies poultry, fish, chilled and frozen items and bakery goods to supermarkets, also has a site here.
Meanwhile the Nissan car plant in Sunderland is the largest factory of its kind in the UK and produces vehicles like the Micra, Note and Qashqai.
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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