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 Worcester
History runs like a river through the city of Worcester, which is situated on the River Severn 23 miles (38 km) south east of Birmingham. It was a thriving town in Roman times and although it fell out of favour when the empire started to recede, its population had exploded by the middles ages, reaching around 10,000, a huge number in those days. Many of its medieval buildings survive to this day, but there would have been many more had they not been demolished in the rebuilding fervour of the 1950s and 1960s. It was also at Worcester that Oliver Cromwell’s army defeated Charles II’s, leading to England and Wales becoming a republic for a decade.
In more modern times Worcester was famous for is porcelain and glove making, both of which industries have all but disappeared now. Kays, of catalogue fame, was also founded in the city, but the company was bought out by rival Grattan’s owners. Today, the best known product from Worcester is Worcestershire sauce, a fish-based condiment made by Lee and Perrins (two chemists) in Worcester in the early 1800s.
Worcester does have a history of manufacturing, and some of this remains, but today it is a centre for retail and tourism, with many visitors flocking to the city to see its cathedral and its other medieval buildings. It is by far the largest town for 20 miles in any direction, so brings in plenty of visitors from the villages and towns in the surrounding area to do their shopping. The city lies just to the west of the M5, which links Birmingham, and the South East, and has good rail links. Worcester is therefore a good place to look for Category Buyer positions, and Cast UK do have such jobs available in the city and its surrounding 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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