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 Caithness
Caithness is the county at the most north-eastern corner of mainland Britain, and is part of the Highland area. The county is home to the town of John o'Groats, famous for being one end of mainland Britain's longest possible journey, the other being Land's End. The county is also home to the island's northernmost point, Dunnet Head, and settlement, Scarfskerry (population 300).
The largest town in Caithness is Thurso, which is located at the north of the county where the A9 meets the A386. Regular ferries make the trip to Orkney to the north, and there's also an airport at Wick over to the east. However the county is pretty sparsely populated, and ,much of its land is used for agriculture.
Agriculture, ferries and airports usually present opportunities for Category Buyer jobs, and sure enough, even here at the northern extremity of of our mainland, they, and other related positions, do occasionally come up. The closest large settlement is Inverness, which is a two-hour drive from the heart of Caithness, so commuting isn't necessarily an option either!
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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.
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