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Head of Purchasing - South Shields

Head of Purchasing jobs

In today’s world, the price, quality and availability of a product are all carefully scrutinised by consumers, no matter which industry you’re operating in.

That’s why the role of Head of Purchasing is so important for a company’s success: this person works to ensure that the various assets an enterprise acquires are right for business needs.

This is usually based on criteria such as how much it costs and if stocks arrive on time, thus keeping business moving forward. The quality of the product is also an important consideration.

As the Head of Purchasing, your responsibilities will generally include creating and implementing strategies for choosing suppliers. You will also need to continually reassess and renegotiate agreements in order to maximise margins and drive business.

Depending on the role, the Head of Purchasing may be responsible for managing a team and providing training and support as necessary.

The skills required

If you’re applying for a vacancy as Head of Purchasing, good communication skills are a must and you should be able to effectively negotiate contracts with suppliers. In some cases, foreign languages may be beneficial, especially if goods are sourced from other countries.

Candidates should be analytical and able to understand the intricacies of even the most complicated supply chains. You should also be self-motivated and the type of person who is always looking for ways to improve the company’s standing in the market.

In addition, a good working knowledge of the various software and systems used in the industry is a must.

Head of Purchasing Jobs in South Shields

South Shields sits at the mouth of the Tyne in Tyne and Wear, about 8 miles (13 km) downstream of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead, and about the same distance north of Sunderland. Although mining, shipbuilding and docks played a massive role in the town’s emergence during and after the Industrial Revolution, much of these industries has now been closed down, and the town relies on the service sector for local jobs. More likely, however, South Shields’ inhabitants will commute to Newcastle or Sunderland for their working lives. The port is still active, and although it is a shadow of its former self, seems to be growing.

The town punches above its weight when it comes to the list of famous people who were born or brought up there. The director of Alien, Prometheus, Thelma and Louise and Gladiator, Ridley Scott was born there, as were F1 genius Sir Frank Williams, Python Eric Idle, novelist Catherine Cookson and comedian Sarah Millican. At least some of them still have their Tyneside accents!

If you’re looking for Head of Purchasing jobs in South Shields, it might be worth expanding your search a little to take in the surrounding towns and cities and perhaps even to look for related jobs rather than an exact match. Although the docks are active, there will be more diversity in Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead. Please ask our consultants if you are interested, as they will be able to do a more general search and flag up other positions that might be of interest.

Looking to advance your career?

Discover Head of Purchasing positions with Cast UK

If you’re looking for a new opportunity as a Head of Purchasing, Cast UK can help you find the right job for your skills and qualifications.

Our team of recruitment consultants are experts in the industry, having worked in the field for many years themselves. This unique knowledge means that we are perfectly placed to make the best placements for each vacancy.

So if you're ready to take your next step on the career ladder, look no further than Cast UK. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Purchasing for your business or find you a job as a Head of Purchasing then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

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