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 Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for Procurement Director jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
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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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