Purchasing Coordinator jobs
Running a procurement operation for a large company is not a simple task, and it is certainly not something that can be left to uncoordinated individuals to perform. No matter how talented and hard-working they are, there will inevitably be gaps and overlaps in their purchasing efforts, and this will all add up to inefficiencies in the system.
The purchasing coordinator will work alongside the purchasing manager and head office to make sure plans are implemented in a methodical and efficient manner, thus maximising the effect of the procurement department. He or she will be involved with planning when to approach companies with procurement propositions and when to embark on negotiations of rates with potential and existing suppliers.
With all the procurement figures at his or her disposal, the purchasing coordinator will have some responsibility for analysing performance and identifying areas where savings can be made, although in many cases the calculations will be carried out by specialist analysts and/or software. Once the statistics have been absorbed and interpreted, it will be up to the purchasing coordinator to steer the procurement department in the correct direction to improve performance and help boost company profits.
The skills required
The purchasing coordinator is a role of many strands, with a host of skills coming into play. There are the people management skills – relaying the plans made with the management to the team so that everyone knows their role perfectly. There are also very important analysis responsibilities in this role, too. Although the actual analysis might not be performed by the coordinator in person, it is vital that they fully understand the results, conclusions and recommendations when they are planning their coordination actions.
Ideally, the purchasing coordinator will have a background in procurement at some level, but managerial experience with some executive responsibilities would be valued as experience.
Purchasing Coordinator Jobs in Stevenage
Located about 28 miles (45 km) directly north of the centre of London, Stevenage was one of the new towns that were planned after the Second World War to provide new lives for those whose homes and livelihoods had been shattered in the Blitz. As with other towns such as Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and Crawley, it was built on an existing village, although the infrastructure had to be upgraded. Stevenage boasted a pedestrianised town centre, the first purpose-built one in the UK, although ironically it was cars that would go on to put Stevenage on the map …
The town is well connected, with the A1(M) skirting its west side and the East Coast Mainline having a stop in the town. Luton airport is just to its west and Stansted is 16 miles (27 km) to the east. There’s a good deal of light industry in Stevenage, mainly concentrated in two industrial estates in its north-east and south-west corners, and these employ a good deal of its population.
The town has produced a number of top-ranking sportspeople in its recent history. Aston Villa, Manchester United and England winger Ashley Young was born there, and golfer Ian Poulter was born just outside the town in the neighbouring town of Hitchen. But in pole position is Lewis Hamilton, the local boy who started his career racing remote controlled cars before rising through the ranks and becoming Formula One world champion in 2008 for McLaren.
As with most of the purpose-built new towns, whose infrastructure was designed in the motoring age, Stevenage has attracted a healthy cross section of industries. With all the raw materials and finished products to move around, and a local population of around 90,000 to serve, Purchasing Coordinator positions are not unusual in the town.
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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.
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.
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 Purchasing Coordinator for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Coordinator then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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