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 Caithness
Caithness is the county at the most north-eastern corner of mainland Britain, and is part of the Highland area. The county is home to the town of John o'Groats, famous for being one end of mainland Britain's longest possible journey, the other being Land's End. The county is also home to the island's northernmost point, Dunnet Head, and settlement, Scarfskerry (population 300).
The largest town in Caithness is Thurso, which is located at the north of the county where the A9 meets the A386. Regular ferries make the trip to Orkney to the north, and there's also an airport at Wick over to the east. However the county is pretty sparsely populated, and ,much of its land is used for agriculture.
Agriculture, ferries and airports usually present opportunities for Purchasing Specialist jobs, and sure enough, even here at the northern extremity of of our mainland, they, and other related positions, do occasionally come up. The closest large settlement is Inverness, which is a two-hour drive from the heart of Caithness, so commuting isn't necessarily an option either!
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.
Contact us