Purchasing Specialist jobs
Procurement and supply chain management are an important part of any company, no matter what the industry or business model.
The Purchasing Specialist for a manufacturing facility, for example, will need to find suppliers and liaise with them to ensure the raw materials for a project are delivered on time and within budget. That way, production can continue at the intended pace.
Meanwhile, the Purchasing Specialist for a supermarket chain will source the various products sold in shops, making sure all products are priced competitively and that shelves are always well stocked.
Of course, having too much of something could actually be detrimental to a company. Warehouse space for overstocked goods can be difficult to find and the extra inventory can be problematic for a company’s bottom line. As a Purchasing Specialist, you will need to find and maintain the right balance.
The skills required
Depending on the employer, the role of a Purchasing Specialist will vary. In any position, however, strong organisational skills and an ability to communicate and negotiate effectively are essential. You should also be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the systems and software that are commonly used in the field.
Self-motivation is important, and you should always be looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer perceptions. In most cases, you will also be responsible for reporting on KPIs to company stakeholders.
Many Purchasing Specialists will be team leaders and daily tasks may include training and providing guidance to staff, as well as dealing with any problems as they arise.
Purchasing Specialist Jobs in Bristol
The largest city in South West England, Bristol is a centre of commerce, culture and education and it has long been associated with sea travel, with the Port of Bristol being a major economic boon to the area.
Situated on the Bristol Channel at the mouth of the Avon River, Bristol also shares a bit of the Severn Estuary coastline. By the 12th century, the city was an important point for the shipping industry, especially for trade with Ireland (and later Iceland and France) and it quickly grew to become one of England's largest medieval towns.
Along with Liverpool, Bristol was one of main ports in the UK involved in the Triangle Trade and the list of commodities that were exchanged includes cloth and textiles, glass, fish, wine and grain. As the years passed, other industries began to expand, including manufacturing, engineering and transport.
Today, Bristol is a thriving community with plenty of opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Specialist vacancies in the area.
One of the city's major employers is Defence Equipment & Support, which works to procure everything from ships and aircraft, through to munitions, technology and communications equipment for the MoD.
Other companies based in Bristol include Bristol Commercial Vehicles, BAE Systems and Orange UK.
Popular locations
Discover Purchasing Specialist roles with Cast UK
Based in Manchester, Cast UK undertakes recruitment projects for clients throughout the country, helping to find the right talent for every vacancy.
Our team of consultants have previously worked in these fields, meaning they have an understanding of what makes a good candidate. We also have a team of regional specialists who can provide advice about the job market in particular areas.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Specialist for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Specialist then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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