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 Essex
Situated in the East of England, Essex is bordered by Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent. It's also a Home County and is considered part of the London commuter belt, making it a great location for those seeking Commodity Manager vacancies.
Largely an agricultural area, for most of Essex's past, it comprised farmland and market towns. Significant development occurred during the Victorian era when the railways arrived.
After the second world war, two new towns - Harlow and Basildon - were created. These were built mainly to provide housing for the growing London population.
These days, the region is still predominantly agricultural, although places like Harlow are known for scientific innovation, technology and pharmaceuticals. Marconi - the world's first wireless factory - had a factory in Chelmsford. Part of the facility is now used by BAE Systems.
Companies based in Essex include Britvic, e2V Technologies, M&G Group and ebm-papst UK. Ford's European headquarters is located in Brentwood, while banknotes are manufactured in Loughton.
Stansted Airport is located in Essex, and it is served by airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. It also processes cargo from a variety of companies including FedEx, British Airways World Cargo and UPS.
What's more, Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of Europe's largest retail areas. It's located a stone's throw from the north side of the River Thames and includes an indoor mall, as well as an IKEA, B&Q and outlets for Next and Marks & Spencer.
