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 Stoke-on-Trent
Often simply referred to as Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent is a city in Staffordshire. It is also affectionately known as The Potteries, a name that date backs to the 1800s when the region became a leader in the production of ceramics, particularly decorative tiles, figurines and dishes.
The area around Stoke had long been recognised as an excellent source of clay, salt, lead and coal and many of the companies that started manufacturing ceramic goods on an industrial scale during the 17th century are still around today - such as Royal Doulton, Spode, Wedgwood and Dudson, which was founded in 1800 and is the oldest tableware manufacturer in the UK.
In addition, the 1842 Pottery Riots that which were sparked by unannounced pay reductions have been said to be some of the first examples of trade unionism in the country.
Of course, other industries have also helped shape the region. Coal mining was a large part of the local economy until the last pit closed in the mid 1990s. Meanwhile, the steel industry was a booming business throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
These days, Stoke-on-Trent is a thriving community and a great location for anyone seeking Purchasing Manager vacancies.
As well as the ceramics companies that call the city home, a number of other businesses have offices in the region, including bet365, Phones4U and the Michelin tyre company. Other companies, like Sainsbury's and the Co-operative Pharmacy, maintain large warehousing facilities in Stoke, while Premier Foods manufactures some well-known sweet treats.
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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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