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 Norfolk
A county in the east of England, Norfolk is bordered by Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire - the rest of it is surrounded by the North Sea.
There are a number of large communities in the region, which offer plenty of opportunities for those seeking Category Buyer positions. These include Norwich, the county town, as well as Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Thetford.
During its early history, Norfolk was important militarily, as it was vulnerable to invasion. Therefore, many forts were built in the region to defend the coastline.
Norfolk's economy has largely been based in agriculture throughout its past, particularly in sheep farming and wool production. Cereals like wheat and barley, sugar beet and rapeseed are also commonly produced.
A number of large companies are based in Norfolk, or have large facilities here. Aviva is a multinational insurance company that was previously known as Norwich Union. Colman's is also based in Norwich - famous for its spicy English mustard, these days it also produces various sauces and gravies. Bernard Matthews Farms is also situated in the area.
The ports at Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn are both busy locations, particularly for bulk cargo and products like timber and steel. Meanwhile, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has been established to create an enterprise zone to aid new businesses in the green energy sector.
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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