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 Lincolnshire
Located in the east of England, Lincolnshire shares borders with a number of counties, including Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire.
The major settlements in the region include Lincoln, Boston, Grantham, Spalding and Gainsborough, and these are all great locations for those seeking Category Buyer vacancies.
Predominantly an agricultural area, Lincolnshire has long been a source of produce including wheat and barley, as well as sugar beet, cabbage, onions and cauliflower.
For the most part, the current economy is based on the service sector. A number of tech and engineering companies have head offices or other facilities here, including Dynex Semiconductor, e2V Technologies and Bifrangi UK.
Brake Bros Ltd, a distribution company that provides food and drink to the catering industry, has a depot near Grantham. Bell & Webster manufactures precast concrete, Vale Garden Houses produces conservatories and agricultural equipment is made by RC Setchfield.
For many years, the docks in Grimsby have been connected to the fishing industry and today the region is known for food production - particularly frozen fish - with more than 500 companies based here. These include the Findus Group, which operates Young's Seafood, as well as Coldwater Seafood and Five Star Fish.
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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