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 Swindon
A town located in Wiltshire, around halfway between Bristol and Reading, Swindon is a busy place with lots of opportunity for those seeking Purchasing Manager vacancies.
The town's early history goes back to a Saxon settlement that was called Suindune in the Domesday Book. For hundreds of years, it mainly subsisted as a market town, with the trade of cattle, corn and other agricultural produce, as well as horse sales.
During the 19th century, the area was known for its railway works, which built and repaired locomotives for the Great Western Railway - a train company that connected the south-west and Wales to London's Paddington Station.
Today, Swindon's economy is mainly based in the retail and service sector and there are a number of large shopping centres in the region.
The town is also home to several big businesses. For instance, Honda and BMW/Mini both have manufacturing sites in the area, while W H Smith's distribution centre and headquarters are also situated in Swindon.
Other companies based in Swindon or with major facilities in the vicinity include Motorola, Dolby, Intel, Nationwide Building Society, Arval and the National Trust.
What's more, Swindon is home to a book depository for Oxford's Bodleian library. The facility has 153 miles of shelving and enough space to house an estimated eight million tomes.
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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