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 Warrington
Halfway between Liverpool and Manchester lies Warrington, a large town with an industrial and commercial pedigree to match some of the UK’s smaller cities. It followed the traditional Northern path of booming during the Industrial Revolution, specialising in steel, textiles and chemical industries, as well as some brewing for good measure, much of which remains to this day.
The town is extremely well connected, with three major motorways, the M62, the M6 and the M56 passing its north, east and south respectively and A roads radiating out in all directions, typical of the market town it once was. The River Mersey passes through it, as do the Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal and two major railway lines. With its population of over 200,000 people and a shopping area to rival any city, it’s a bustling and attractive town to live in.
Around the town’s edges are hundreds of large and small businesses, including a large Unilever detergent factory in the east. There are lots of warehouses and logistics companies in the area, too, that take advantage of its excellent communications and skilled workforce. There are few places like Warrington when it comes to finding a Category Buyer work, and there’s always a demand for such positions. Please get in touch if you’re looking for work in this area.
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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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