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 Coventry
Situated in the West Midlands and less than 20 miles from Birmingham, Coventry is a metropolitan borough and one of the top ten largest cities in England. Indeed, for those seeking Category Buyer vacancies, Coventry will have a variety of employers to consider.
The history of the city goes back to a Bronze Age community that was settled by the Romans in the first century. By the 1500s, Coventry was at the centre of the cloth and textile trade and during the Middle Ages, it was one of the most influential locations in England.
As time passed, Coventry became known for manufacturing fine watches and clocks, while other technological innovations, such as the safety bicycle in the late 1800s, paved the way for the city to become one of the leading areas for car manufacture in the early 20th century.
During the same period, the city manufactured an array of other products, ranging from machine tools and aerospace components to electronics, telecoms equipment and man-made fibres.
Today, the economy in Coventry relies on finance, business services, logistics and leisure, more than on manufacturing. However, a number of car factories can still be found within city limits, such as LTI, the company that manufactures London's iconic black cabs, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Peugeot. Meggitt Aircraft, a company that makes braking systems for the aerospace industry, is also located in Coventry.
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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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