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 Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a historic spa town (sometimes called Cheltenham Spa) in Gloucestershire, about 7 miles (12 km) to the east of the county town, Gloucester. The town grew in popularity after a royal visit in the late 1700s, which brought its mineral waters national renown. It is known internationally as a site of festivals. There are the Literature, Jazz, Science and Music festivals to occupy the locals and bring in tourists, but most famous of all is the one simply called the Cheltenham Festival, a week-long National Hunt horse-racing event culminating in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The town is a hotbed of high-tech industry, too, with electronics and aerospace playing their parts in the local economy. Tourism is and important wealth creator too. The west of the town is dominated by the UK’s national intelligence and eavesdropping centre, the GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), an organisation that dates back to the First World War and has been at Cheltenham since 1951. During the Second World War it was located at the famous Bletchley Park.
The blend of hi-tech industry, an affluent populace and a thriving retail sector make Cheltenham a prime location for a variety of supply chain, logistics and procurement positions, and Commodity Manager jobs will appear in and around the time from time to time, although GCHQ will probably know about it before we do!
