E-sourcing Manager jobs
The modern procurement operation can take place entirely online, with secure networks set up between clients and suppliers to make the entire sourcing, contract drafting and procurement cycle simple, fast, accountable and reliable. This is called E-sourcing (electronic sourcing, eSourcing).
In charge of the E-sourcing operation will be the E-sourcing manager. The role can involve being dropped into the process at any stage, and employment will be based upon the appropriate ability and experience. Some companies, for example, might be new to E-sourcing and will expect the manager to take the job from nothing to full roll-out, which could include negotiating deals with solutions providers and overseeing the technical implementation. More often, however, the E-sourcing manager will be in charge of a system that is already running, and although training will be given, experience in this method of procurement will be advantageous.
As well as the electronic element, the E-sourcing manager will also be expected to build and maintain business relationships with suppliers. This is good practice and pays dividends when there is a problem to solve through discussion and negotiation.
In larger companies, the role will probably involve overseeing a department and managing people, so skills in that direction would certainly be a great help.
The skills required
Since the daily work of the E-sourcing manager will involve a good deal of time spent on computers and in networks, excellent IT skills will usually be sought by employers looking to fill this role. Familiarity with specific systems will probably be an advantage but there are several off-the-shelf solutions and many bespoke solutions in the industry, expertise on one of them will be no guarantee of experience.
Being able to communicate well will help oil the wheels of the procurement effort. In-system negotiations will arrive at deals, but the face-to-face meetings and other link-ups with suppliers will be just as important. There will also need to be excellent lines of communication with those underneath the manager in order to better interpret company aims, as well as with those in senior positions in order to ensure corporate goals have been understood properly.
E-Sourcing Manager Jobs in Reading
Situated in the Thames Valley where the Thames and River Kennet converge, Reading is a town in south-east England known as a centre of commerce and an excellent choice for those seeking E-Sourcing Manager vacancies.
The area was first settled in the 8th century, the local abbey was founded in 1121 and by 1538 Reading had become one of the largest towns in the area. The region thrived on the wealth generated by trading cloth until the English Civil War.
With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Reading was again making a name for itself, this time with a combination of ironworks and brewing.
The region benefited from improved trade with London due to the building of better roads, the establishment of various railways and the opening of the river to boat traffic. Indeed, the Kennet and Avon canal was opened in 1810, which meant that goods could travel by barge all the way to the Bristol Channel.
Fast forward to today and Reading is a centre for technology, finance and retail.
Top companies headquartered in the town include ING Direct, Yell Group and BG. Meanwhile, Prudential, PepsiCo, Holiday Inn, Bang & Olufsen, Intel, Cisco, Symantec, Nvidia, Virgin Media, Xerox and Verizon all have offices in Reading.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
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. 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.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit an E-Sourcing Manager for your business or find you a job as an E-Sourcing Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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