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 West Yorkshire
An English county in the region known as Yorkshire and the Humber, West Yorkshire is surrounded by Derbyshire, Lancaster, North and South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
It is home to a number of large metropolitan boroughs, each of which offers a variety of opportunities for those seeking Category Buyer jobs. These include the City of Leeds, the City of Wakefield, the City of Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the region's economy relied mainly on the wool and textile industries - this was given a significant boost during the Industrial Revolution as steam power and machinery increased production dramatically. Coal mining also helped to bring wealth to the area.
Today, the West Yorkshire area is still known for manufacturing and engineering, while financial companies, call centres, the service sector, tourism and retail are also important.
Supermarkets Morrisons and Asda both have their corporate headquarters in the region, while just some of the other companies that have regional or national offices in West Yorkshire include Nestle, Cummins Turbo Technologies, Hallmark Cards, Pace plc and Syngenta AG.
Financial and professional services companies like KPMG, Norwich Union, First Direct, Direct Line, Lloyds Banking Group, Yorkshire Bank, Bradford and Bingley and Zurich also all have large operations here.
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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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