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 Stafford
Staffordshire’s county town of Stafford is relatively small by county town standards, with its population of just over 50,000; in fact Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth and Newcastle-under-Lyme are larger. That said, Stafford is at the centre of a cluster of towns whose populations total over 120,000. Stafford is located on the M6 and is about half way between Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham, each of which is approximately 14 miles (22 km) distant.
The town’s history is varied and well documented to the fifth century, and the eleventh-century castle stands to this day. Stafford used to have a long tradition of shoemaking, which sadly died out in the latter 20th century. It was also a major railway hub until the reforms of the 1960s led to the closure of the Stafford & Uttoxeter Railway and the Shropshire Union Railway, and with them Stafford became a relatively normal through line between Crewe and Birmingham and London.
Occasionally, Head of Purchasing jobs become available in Stafford, as it is a relatively populous region and some major manufacturing plants are found there. The electrical engineering giant Alstrom, which makes huge electrical transformers, is in the middle of the town, and Bostik and Littleworth (diesel engines) have large sites here; there are also a few trading and industrial estates and a sizeable shopping centre. Being the county town, the public sector is a large employer, and Stafford also serves as a commuter town for the cities to the north and south.
Popular locations
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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