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 Crawley
Located between Brighton and the capital, Crawley is a West Sussex town about 28 miles south of London Charing Cross. It's a great spot for those seeking Category Buyer vacancies and the town also serves as a commuter hub.
With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Crawley was an important location during the Roman Period, serving as a centre for ironworking and then becoming a market town during the 13th century.
During the Victorian era, the railway came to Crawley. This helped the region to grow and engineering and manufacturing became more prominent - something that continues today.
Indeed, just some of the businesses with factories or other facilities in Crawley include BOC Edwards, Unilever, APV Vent Axia and Thales, a manufacturer of flight simulators.
Crawley is a centre for finance, home to a number of banking, insurance and credit companies such as Deloitte & Touche and B & CE Benefit Schemes. It's also an important location for the transport and communication industry - such as First Choice Holidays, William Reed Group and Metrobus.
What's more, Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK, is situated on the edge of town. Not only does it see more than 30 million passengers pass through its gates every year, it is also a major cargo handler, dealing with freight shipments from around the world.
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.
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