Commodity Manager jobs
Procurement is a huge part of any manufacturing operation’s expenditure, so any efforts that can be made to reduce the cost of procurement has be worth using. The commodity manager will be in charge of this effort, and will be required to meet or exceed targets set by head office with regard to minimising procurement costs and thereby maximising profitability.
The commodity manager has several strands to his or her job. First, they will try to seek out good deal by keeping fully abreast of the industry in which they operate, paying special attention to the activities of potential suppliers. Second, they will compile lists of potential target suppliers and invite them to tender deals. Third, they will enter preliminary negotiations with the most promising candidates, after which they will start to focus in on the favourite with a view to negotiating a final contract.
Good contract managers will have not only their own company’s interests at heart but also those of the supplier, however. While keeping clients happy is unquestionably good practice, it’s very easy to alienate and de-motivate suppliers by driving too hard a bargain, and if this backfires, the company’s lifeblood could be temporarily removed.
That’s why the job of the commodity manager is as much a partner as that of a client. Forming good relationships will lead to better contracts in future, and that all contributes to a company’s profitability.
The skills required
Commodity managers should have a superb ability to analyse various deals as they come in from potential suppliers, in order to determine which ones represent the best value in the short-term as well as the long-term. They should also be good negotiators, able to appreciate both sides of a deal and the desires and ambitions of suppliers just as much as those of his or her own employer.
Communication is key to all of these skills, and is therefore probably the overarching ability for the role. Good deals communicated badly can be rejected out of hand, but there’s also the communication within the company’s walls to get right. It’s vital that the facts and figures are delivered accurately to those who ultimately have to make the decisions. Communication is a key asset in diplomacy and negotiation, which are key parts of the job.
A good understanding of the specific markets in which the employer operates would be a distinct advantage, particularly if it has been gained in the procurement environment.
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
At any given time, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so wherever you live, or plan to live, we are well placed to find work that suits your skills.
We were founded by specialists in the logistics, supply chain and procurement trade, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for. In fact, employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates, so if you’re in procurement, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
So whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or are simply looking for more job fulfilment, there could well be an employer who’s looking for the skills you have. Please get in touch today!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Commodity Manager for your business or find you a job as a Commodity Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Commodity Manager Jobs in Cannock
Cannock is one the constituent parts of Cannock chase in southern Staffordshire, a district with a population of around 100,000. The town is more strongly connected with the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton to the south and south west respectively, however, although Stafford is just 9 miles (14 km) to the north. Cannock is connected to the rest of the country via the M6 (and the M6 Toll, which passes directly to its south) and the M54 can be joined just to the south west as it heads westwards towards Shrewsbury.
Like much of the Black Country, Cannock went through a period of massive growth during the Industrial Revolution, with the area being best known for its coal mines which helped fuel the industry going on to the south. However the decline followed the same pattern, and unusually, Cannock’s de-industrialisation was accompanied by a falling population rather than an effort to diversify. The town is now an averagely built-up town with several areas of woodland, parks and golf courses dotted around. There is light industry to the south, but generally speaking Cannock is a commuter town.
Though Cannock is not large in itself, it is located close to three large concentrations of population, and this means that anyone looking for Commodity Manager work might do well to cast their net a little further afield, perhaps to Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Stafford, or perhaps even Stoke or Derby. That said, all towns have logistics and supply chain needs, so there’s no reason why something local might come up.
