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 Cannock
Cannock is one the constituent parts of Cannock chase in southern Staffordshire, a district with a population of around 100,000. The town is more strongly connected with the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton to the south and south west respectively, however, although Stafford is just 9 miles (14 km) to the north. Cannock is connected to the rest of the country via the M6 (and the M6 Toll, which passes directly to its south) and the M54 can be joined just to the south west as it heads westwards towards Shrewsbury.
Like much of the Black Country, Cannock went through a period of massive growth during the Industrial Revolution, with the area being best known for its coal mines which helped fuel the industry going on to the south. However the decline followed the same pattern, and unusually, Cannock’s de-industrialisation was accompanied by a falling population rather than an effort to diversify. The town is now an averagely built-up town with several areas of woodland, parks and golf courses dotted around. There is light industry to the south, but generally speaking Cannock is a commuter town.
Though Cannock is not large in itself, it is located close to three large concentrations of population, and this means that anyone looking for Purchasing Specialist work might do well to cast their net a little further afield, perhaps to Birmingham, Wolverhampton or Stafford, or perhaps even Stoke or Derby. That said, all towns have logistics and supply chain needs, so there’s no reason why something local might come up.
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