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 East Kilbride
Before the Second World War, East Kilbride was a relatively small town several miles from the south of Glasgow. After the war, however, when the government was looking for sites to found new towns all over Britain, the village was chosen as one to house displaced Glaswegians and to ease the crowded city which had seen heavy bombing. Over time, the town grew and now there’s just a mile of countryside between East Kilbride’s north and Glasgow’s south, and on its east side it is starting to merge with Hamilton. The town is now treated as a suburb of Glasgow, and has a population of around 75,000.
The town has associations with more celebrities and musicians than it probably should for its size. The list of residents and ex-residents includes TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, MP Liam Fox, indie band the Jesus and Mary Chain, Aztec Camera singer Roddy Frame, footballer and manager Ally McCoist and Four Weddings actor John Hannah. George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-four in the town when he was recovering from tuberculosis.
Although East Kilbride’s purpose is necessarily residential, there is some industry there, and the town has no fewer than six shopping malls. With its position so close to Glasgow, good transport links and industrial estates at its north west and south east sides, East Kilbride might be a good place to look for Purchasing Specialist work in the Glasgow 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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