Purchasing Administrator jobs
While the procurement managers and buyers go about their work sourcing raw materials and other goods to wring out the highest possibly levels of efficiency, the purchasing administrator will be tasked with much of the “paperwork” of the transactions they arrange. They will have to compare deliveries with the agreed orders, not only in terms of quantity and timeliness but also quality, as there can be great variation in many products.
The purchasing administrator will spend much of his or her time using spreadsheets to log all the gathered data and perform basic accounting tasks to make sure the figures tally up. There will also be extensive analysis of figures which will be fed back to the buyers and to head office to ensure the purchasing effort, particularly with regard to price, is running as planned.
Should the buyers successfully find deals with alternative suppliers that are better than the current deals in force, it will be up to the purchasing administrator to make contact with the potential supplier and ensure that the goods they intend to supply are exactly as required by the company in terms of quality, and that they can deliver on time.
The skills required
As with any administration role, a full understanding of the aims of the business, the particulars of the sector in which they operate, and quite possibly a good level of knowledge of the legal aspects of the sector will be required. whether these will be expected as entry requirements or given by the company will depend on the employer, but there can be no disadvantage in having some background experience that would help with the job.
Great analytical skills will be required for purchasing administrators who are required to perform more complex calculations on the figures, as they will be acting as intermediaries between the board and the buyers themselves, and thus their conclusions will carry great weight in any future forecasting performed by the company.
And finally, being able to gather data and deliver findings to both senior management and the buying team will require above average communication skills, be it verbally, electronically or graphically.
Purchasing Administrator Jobs in Wales
Known for its stunning coastlines and charming villages, sweeping landscapes and bustling cities and towns like Cardiff, Swansea, Barry, Newport and Aberystwyth, Wales offers an array of opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Administrator vacancies.
With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the Welsh economy expanded significantly and the few small industries that existed before the 18th century - such as agriculture, milling, textile production and mining - all grew rapidly.
Techniques for copper smelting were developed in Swansea, while ironwork, slate quarrying and coal mining were also big business. Meanwhile, the Cardiff docks were extremely important during the 19th century for the shipment of coal and steelwork.
Today, Wales has a predominately post-industrial economy and the service sector has grown significantly since the end of the second world war. A number of financial companies have regional headquarters here, including Legal & General, HBOS, ING Direct, the AA and BT.
In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is situated in Swansea - it maintains a database of vehicles in Great Britain and deals with other tasks like selling private number plates and issuing licences.
While heavy industry in Wales has declined over the years, the country is still home to a number of manufacturing and steelmaking facilities. Indeed, the Port Talbot Steel Works produces around five million tonnes of steel every year. There are also two oil refineries in Milford Haven, as well as a Ford engine factory in Bridgend.
Agriculture and food production are another element to the Welsh economy, while forestry and fishing are small but thriving industries in the region.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK was founded by logistics, procurement and supply chain specialists, 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.
We have jobs all over the UK, so are well placed to find you work in 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.
Once 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 Purchasing Administrator for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Administrator then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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