Head of Buying jobs
As a departmental lead, Head of Buying is a role involving supporting, designing and implementing market-leading strategies.
With strong commercial acumen, this person will manage relationships with suppliers and oversee revenue and cost budgeting. Effective negotiation will ensure ROI and Head of Buyers will constantly be reviewing new sourcing opportunities as well as being involved in new product development. As a profit centre in its own right, the buying department is central to an organisation’s commercial gain.
A Head of Buying will have a multi-disciplinary role, looking after short, mid and long-term projects, chairing monthly divisional operational meetings and advising the business on key developments. The individual will typically work with other areas of the business to ensure individual brand objectives, as well as group objectives, are met.
The skills required
As an experienced manager, you will require at least 5 years’ proven track record of overseeing a team. Strong negotiation skills are mandatory, with experience of strategic purchasing.
An ability to lead, influence and coach others is vital for this role as well as the capability to work in a fast-moving, demanding environment that requires strong organisational skills. Highly numerate, IT literate and analytical, you will be someone who remains calm under pressure and be an adept communicator.
Flexibility is key as well as being self-driven, honest and capable of driving team member development. It’s important you are confident to challenge accepted ways of buying, and continually strive to innovate.
You will be an experienced project manager with excellent presentation skills and able to effectively report to all parts of the business, including company directors.
Head of Buying Jobs in Chelmsford
Located in Essex, Chelmsford was granted city status in 2012 and is the only city in the county. It is situated on the River Can, around 32 miles from Charing Cross and is considered to be part of the London commuter belt, meaning it offers a range of options for those seeking Head of Buying positions.
Chelmsford's history can be traced far back in time and evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements have been found. In 1199, the town was granted a royal charter and the market is still held in the centre today.
During the Middle Ages, Chelmsford was named the county town of Essex and its population continued to grow in size. The railway arrived in the middle of the 19th century, leading to further economic growth and by the late 1800s, it had become known for its manufacturing industry, particularly electrical equipment.
In 1899, the world's first radio factory was opened in Chelmsford and during the second world war, the region produced machinery and light engineering.
During the end of the 20th century, Chelmsford declined economically. However, the city has gone through major regeneration over the last 30 years and these days it is an important location for administration and distribution.
Chelmsford is currently home to a number of large companies, including investment managers the M&G Group, electric motor manufacturer ebm-papst UK Ltd and e2v Technologies, which is known for its high-tech engineering products for the medical, science, aerospace and industrial markets.
Popular locations
Search for Head of Buying opportunities with Cast UK
As market leading recruitment specialists for professional level buying roles across the sectors, Cast UK is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients, enabling us to understand their business models and the roles they are recruiting.
We get to know the personalities and objectives of each candidate; understanding what motivates them, and the appropriate cultural fit for them. This attention to detail means that we are able to make excellent matches between applicants and employers, making placements that are lasting and mutually rewarding.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Buying role for your business or find you a job as Head of Buying, contact one of our consultant team on 0161 825 0825
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