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 the West Midlands
Comprising seven metropolitan boroughs - the city of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands is an English county with plenty of opportunities for those seeking Head of Purchasing vacancies.
Throughout history, the region has been known for its commerce and industry. During the Middle Ages, wool and cloth manufacture brought a significant amount of wealth to the West Midlands, particularly in Coventry.
By the 1700s, metalworking, small arms manufacture and mining were all important for the local economy, and this expanded to include bicycle building during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. In addition, two large banks - Lloyds and Midlands Bank (which later became HSBC) were both founded in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fast forward to today and the West Midlands is thriving. Birmingham, which vies with Manchester for the title of Britain's second city, has been called one of the best places in the country to have a business and it seems that big companies agree.
From finance and media, to manufacturing, engineering, tourism, retail and the service sector, there are many well-known organisations with headquarters or other large facilities in the region - including Cooks the Bakery, Marston's, Chubb Locks and Carillion.
Jaguar, Land Rover and MG cars are also manufactured in the West Midlands, along with London's iconic black taxis.
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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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