Procurement Director jobs
Procurement is a key concern in every sector - from manufacturing, construction, retail, education and medical, through to government and defence.
This is especially true in a difficult economy, where savings need to be made across the board and the sourcing of products and services must be done with the greatest care to ensure the best outcome.
The role of a procurement director varies from company to company, but the job will generally comprise of responsibilities from managing projects and reporting to stakeholders, through to effectively leading a team and ensuring all procurement activities represent the best value for money.
Other tasks may include designing, updating or re-developing the company's supply chain procedures and taking steps to ensure that all processes run as smoothly as possible.
In all cases, procurement directors will need to demonstrate continual improvements in established routines and instigate regular updates in response to changes in legislation or sector developments.
The skills required
Those applying for procurement director jobs should have an extensive understanding of the entire supply chain process - from tendering and proposals through to assessing suppliers and completing projects.
They should also be well versed in best practice techniques, any applicable legal issues and the latest technologies used in the procurement process.
Since the role will generally involve overseeing a team, applicants will need to possess good planning and leadership skills, as well as an ability to communicate effectively and coach employees. In addition, excellent negotiation, planning, presentation and organisation skills are a must.
Procurement Director Jobs in Essex
Situated in the East of England, Essex is bordered by Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent. It's also a Home County and is considered part of the London commuter belt, making it a great location for those seeking Procurement Director vacancies.
Largely an agricultural area, for most of Essex's past, it comprised farmland and market towns. Significant development occurred during the Victorian era when the railways arrived.
After the second world war, two new towns - Harlow and Basildon - were created. These were built mainly to provide housing for the growing London population.
These days, the region is still predominantly agricultural, although places like Harlow are known for scientific innovation, technology and pharmaceuticals. Marconi - the world's first wireless factory - had a factory in Chelmsford. Part of the facility is now used by BAE Systems.
Companies based in Essex include Britvic, e2V Technologies, M&G Group and ebm-papst UK. Ford's European headquarters is located in Brentwood, while banknotes are manufactured in Loughton.
Stansted Airport is located in Essex, and it is served by airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. It also processes cargo from a variety of companies including FedEx, British Airways World Cargo and UPS.
What's more, Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of Europe's largest retail areas. It's located a stone's throw from the north side of the River Thames and includes an indoor mall, as well as an IKEA, B&Q and outlets for Next and Marks & Spencer.
Popular locations
Discover new procurement opportunities with Cast UK
Whether you're seeking an opportunity as a procurement director in a stand-alone organisation, or in a shared services environment, Cast UK can help applicants find vacancies that match your skills and experience.
As a leading UK recruitment agency, our team of consultants have a strong understanding of these fields, enabling us to match applicants to the most appropriate roles - saving both time and excess costs for everyone involved.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Procurement Director for your business or find you a job as a Procurement Director then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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