Indirect Purchasing Manager jobs
While procurement costs of the raw materials and goods are a vital factor in a company’s profitability, so are the auxiliary costs – things like office space, security and administration. Many businesses now actively set about procuring these services with as much vigour for economy as they do for their ongoing, vital costs, and in larger operations the procurement effort is actually split into two: direct and indirect procurement.
The indirect purchasing manager will either be in charge of these purchases personally or will head up a department of staff who will be tasked with seeking out better deals for their companies’ running costs. In many ways, these costs are just as important as the direct costs, as they all add to the company’s expenditure and their reduction is clearly beneficial. However, it’s also a set of costs that are all too often overlooked; most companies would rather spend more on their office space than go through all the hassle of relocating. Part of the indirect purchasing manager’s job will be communicating benefits clearly to senior management, as fast action could result in massive savings.
The job will also require a good deal of ongoing analysis of costs both within their own company and in the market in general, which will help to identify trends and increase the ability to spot good deals when they arise.
The skills required
The indirect purchasing manager will be constantly analysing figures to seek out economies, so great analytical skills will be required to make the job work. Much of this part of the job will be carried out using specialist software solutions, so an above average aptitude with a range of popular accounting and procurement solutions will be advantageous. There will also be a good deal of report-writing to keep head office informed of the state of play, so good communication skills and word processing ability will be highly valued.
If the indirect purchasing manager is in charge of a department, people management skills will be required, preferably with a proven track record of managing a team of people. On the other hand, if the manager is himself or herself in charge of the whole operation, they will need to be a motivated self-starter, able to do the job effectively with minimal contact with head office.
Indirect Purchasing Manager Jobs in Exeter
Situated in Devon, Exeter is a historic city on the River Exe. It is known as being one of the most profitable locations to base a business, meaning there are many opportunities for those seeking Indirect Purchasing Manager roles.
People have been living in this area for thousands of years - and the easily navigable river meant that there was a thriving trade with the Mediterranean as far back as 250 BC.
During the Middle Ages, Exeter had one of the largest markets in the south-west and it was also known for its annual fairs, which continued until the 16th century.
At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Exeter's industry was mainly based on agricultural products. Water power was used to some degree, but the city was too far from a source of coal to make the most of steam power.
The development of the canal network did, however, help to boost Exeter's prominence, and the Bristol and Exeter Railway opened in 1844, further building the local economy.
Today, Exeter is a bustling city with plenty of retail space, particularly in the Princesshay Shopping Centre. It is also home to a number of big employers, with a several companies employing 1,000 people or more - such as British Telecom, EDF and Flybe.
In 2004, the Met Office relocated to Exeter and this organisation is now one of the largest employers in the region, along with Devon County Council and the University of Exeter. Other companies with a significant presence include Tesco, the Highways Agency and Alcoa Howmet.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK were founded by specialists in logistics, supply chain and procurement, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for when they come to us. In fact, employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates before they are advertised, so if you’re in procurement, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
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.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit an Indirect Purchasing Manager for your business or find you a job as an Indirect Purchasing Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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