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 Burnley
Whereas most northern towns with milling and industrial heritage are closely linked to a major city such as Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle or Glasgow, Burnley is something of an oddity thanks to its relative isolation. It’s a good 22 miles (34 km) to the centre of Manchester to its direct south, about the same distance west or Bradford and the next major settlement to its north is Carlisle, 80 miles (130 km) away. Its nearest neighbour is Blackburn, 10 miles to the west and roughly Burnley’s twin in terms of population (and its footballing rival).
Burnley started out as a market town, trading chiefly in wool and other farm products, until the Industrial Revolution, and particularly the canals, reached the town. When coal was discovered close by, the picture was complete. Before long the town was thriving, with wool mills and eventually cotton mills powered by steam engines making the town thunder with productivity. Inevitably, the mills were to gradually close down and Burnley went through a period of isolation and stagnation, particularly after the Second World War.
The town is, however, looking forward, and has attracted investment and jobs over recent years. Industrial estates have sprung up around the town, and perhaps because of the distance to large cities, Burnley has become almost self-sufficient when it comes to retail, with a bustling town centre and a host of chains setting up shop there. This all adds up to a positive story for those looking for Purchasing Specialist positions in the Burnley area.
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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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