Purchasing Manager jobs
It doesn't matter what sector an organisation operates in. Whether it's medical, manufacturing, construction, education, government, defence or something else, it's essential to procure the right goods and services to keep business moving.
That's why Purchasing Managers are critical members of the procurement team. They are responsible for ensuring raw materials, components, goods, equipment and other assets are obtained on time and within budget. Of course, these acquisitions must adhere to approved quality standards.
As a Purchasing Manager, you will be tasked with finding suppliers, negotiating contracts and monitoring the service provided. Depending on your particular job description, you will probably be required to find ways of improving the supply chain, working to set KPIs and implementing change.
For example, this could mean renegotiating contracts, determining best practice procedures and making use of the latest technologies to make cost savings, enhance performance and improve customer satisfaction.
The skills required
If you're thinking of taking on a role as a Purchasing Manager, you should have excellent negotiation and communication skills. Confidence in building relationships with external suppliers and reporting to company stakeholders is also a must.
A good understanding of the various technologies and software can be beneficial - and in some roles, this will be required.
It's also likely that you'll be heading up a team, so knowledge of management techniques and an ability to organise, motivate and train your staff are all good skills to have.
Purchasing Manager Jobs in Oxfordshire
Sharing borders with Warwickshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire is a county in the south-east.
Home to major settlements like Oxford, Witney, Didcot, Chipping Norton and Bicester, the county is a fabulous choice for those seeking Purchasing Manager opportunities.
The region has long been an important centre for education, and it is the location of the oldest university in the English-speaking world - and one of the best renowned - the University of Oxford. Established in 1167, these days the institution is responsible for much of the economic growth in the county.
Besides the students and tourism that the university brings to the region, it has also attracted a number of biotechnology businesses. Other large companies in Oxford include publishing houses Oxford University Press and Wiley-Blackwell, while the automotive industry is also thriving, with the headquarters of Morris Motors based in the city, along with a production site for Mini.
Beyond the dreaming spires of Oxford, the rest of the county is also thriving.
Didcot Power Station, for example, supplies energy to the National Grid, while other well-known companies include Kraft Foods, Wychwood Brewery and the Chipping Norton Recording Studios It's also the location of the Diamond Light Source synchrotron - a particle accelerator.
Popular locations
Find Purchasing Manager vacancies with Cast UK
As one of the UK's leading recruitment consultancies in the fields of procurement, logistics and supply chain management, Cast UK can help you find the right job for your skills and qualifications.
Our clients are situated in locations across Britain and since our industry specialists also have regional expertise, we can provide the advice and assistance you need to ensure that your career is headed in the right direction.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Manager for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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