Lead Buyer jobs
The lead buyer in a manufacturing company is a role that comes with huge responsibility. He or she will need to ensure the steady flow of raw materials, components or other critical materials reaches the factory floor to create a seamless, endless supply, ensuring there is never any downtime through lack of availability. This will mean keeping an eye on several strands at once, such as warehouse levels (making sure they are not too high as well as too low), availability on the market of the materials in question and the expected capacity and productivity of the factory (especially where seasonal effects are present).
They will also be in charge of keeping the costs as low as possible, so the job will involve a good deal of making contact with suppliers and potential suppliers in order to strike deals with them. The lead buyer will usually have a set budget and keeping within it will sometimes require a good deal of creativity, thinking on one’s feet and negotiation.
Many lead buyers will head up a department of junior buyers or buyers of certain categories of supplies, so management skills will be required, rounding off a set of abilities that combine to make the lead buyer one of the key employees of a manufacturing enterprise. The sway the lead buyer holds of the company’s profits cannot be overestimated, and for this reason lead buyers will be drawn from candidates with excellent experience of buying, preferably at a managerial level.
The skills required
Successful lead buyers will be people who can absorb themselves entirely into the operation of a manufacturing company. They will need to be able to know exactly what supplies need to come in through the factory gates at any time and how much they cost – and they will have a hand in determining these facts too. They will be expected to hit the ground running and make a positive change to the company from day one, sourcing materials and goods, driving down costs and arranging timely delivery.
Needless to say, this is a role that will suit not only people who can handle pressure, but also those who thrive on it. When overseeing a team of buyers, it’s important to deal with them in a courteous and positive manner even when things aren’t running to plan.
Superb communication and management skills will round up the competencies required of the lead buyer. It’s a role not everyone will be able to rise to, even those with extensive procurement experience. There will definitely need to be the instinct to make things happen and to act on it.
Lead Buyer Jobs in Worcestershire
A county in the West Midlands, Worcestershire's borders have changed numerous times throughout its past, merging with Herefordshire in the 1970s as part of the Local Government Act 1972, and then being re-established as its own entity in 1998.
In addition to Herefordshire, its neighbours include Shropshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.
Worcestershire comprises a number of large communities, such as Worcester, Kidderminster, Redditch, Malvern and Bromsgrove. These all offer a variety of choices when it comes to finding Lead Buyer positions in the region, and many are considered satellite towns of Birmingham.
For much of its past, Worcestershire's economy has relied on the wool trade, and related industries. During the 19th century, glove making was an important business, while Kidderminster carpets gained a sound reputation that continues today. Historically, the region was also important for the production of hops and fruit like pears, cherries, plums and apples.
Today, retail, manufacturing, the service sector and technology are all important parts of the local economy, with companies based in the region including Qinetiq, which specialises in defence technology.
Of course, Worscestershire is also famous for its eponymous sauce - this has been manufactured by Lea & Perrins in Worcester since 1838, although the company is now owned by Heinz.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are located or plan to locate. If you’re moving house, please see if there are any positions available in the area you’re moving to; and if you’re simply looking for more fulfilment in your working life, there could be an employer looking for the skills you have.
We were founded by specialists in the fields, and our consultants are all from these backgrounds too, so we have in-depth knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers come to us to find candidates because they’re confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate managers and executives.
When we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise, so do get in touch if you’re looking for a job in procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Lead Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Lead Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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