Category Buyer jobs
Responsible for sourcing and procurement, as well as negotiating contracts and monitoring supply levels, a Category Buyer plays an important part in the success of a business. After all, getting goods at a low price and to a set schedule is essential in order to meet client demands.
The category method of supply chain management is mainly used in the retail industry, although other sectors have also adopted the strategy. This technique involves organising products into smaller groups of related goods.
For example, a Category Buyer for a chain of supermarkets may specialise in paper goods, tinned vegetables, fresh poultry or women's clothing.
By specialising in a particular category, buyers can gain a better understanding of their market and make informed decisions that benefit the company and its customers.
The job of a Category Buyer will vary from employer to employer, but the role usually involves developing and implementing strategies for procuring goods, working with providers to improve the quality of the products and finding ways to reduce costs.
The skills required
Those applying for roles as a Category Buyer will need strong analytic skills be able to demonstrate an ability to evaluate information in a systematic way.
Communication and negotiation skills are a must and you should be just as comfortable working as part of a team as you are on your own. The role of a Category Buyer can be extremely stressful, so an ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines is vital.
Other useful skills include good organisation and self-motivation. Depending on the role, being able to speak foreign languages could be beneficial. You should also be proficient with the various software packages, as well as word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Category Buyer Jobs in Bedfordshire
Bordering Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire is a ceremonial county in the East of England. Its southernmost point is around 25 miles from central London and it offers a number of opportunities for those seeking Category Buyer roles.
The region comprises prominent towns and cities like Bedford, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. Until the late 19th century, Bedfordshire's economy was mainly based in agriculture - particularly sheep farming, while the textile industry and lace manufacture were also important.
In the mid-1800s, as the Industrial Revolution took hold and the railways improved across the county, some heavy industry came to the area, but this was mainly brewing and the manufacture of farm instruments. On the whole, the region remained mainly agricultural.
During the 20th century, the population of towns like Bedford grew rapidly. Today, an array of well-known companies have headquarters or large facilities in Bedfordshire. These are based in a number of sectors and include Autoglass, Kingspan Off-site, Jordans Cereals and Vauxhall Motors.
London Luton Airport is located in Bedfordshire and airlines operating from this transport hub include EasyJet, Monarch Airlines and Thomson Airways.
As well as having millions of passengers pass through its gates every year, Luton Airport also processes a significant amount of cargo for companies like DHL Express, Varig Logistica and Atlantic Airlines.
Popular locations
Discover procurement roles with Cast UK
If you're looking to take the next step in your career with a new position as a Category Buyer, Cast UK can help.
Our team of experienced consultants have a unique understanding of the industries in which we work and this knowledge means we can accurately and quickly find the best candidate for each role, saving both applicants and employers time in the recruitment process.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Category Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Contact us