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 Middlesex
One of the smallest of England's historic counties, Middlesex was abolished in the 1960s and most of the region became part of the Greater London area.
The London boroughs that are today known as Barnet, Ealing, Haringey, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Enfield, Brent, and Richmond upon Thames, were once part of Middlesex. While other counties that absorbed bits of the region included Hertfordshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
These days, the area that was once known as Middlesex is thriving, and it benefits greatly from its proximity to the capital. It's also a great place to find Purchasing Specialist vacancies.
Most of the economy of the area is based in retail and the service sector. The UK headquarters of McDonald's is located in East Finchley, while other companies that call the region home include GlaxoSmithKline, British Sky Broadcasting, Sega Europe, JCDecaux and Guoman Hotel Management.
Fuller's Brewery is located in Chiswick and Cadbury plc has head offices in Uxbridge. What's more, the region, which is very close to Heathrow Airport, is home to a number of aviation companies including British Airways, Air France, KLM and Menzies Aviation.
Middlesex is also an important location for sport, with two of England's largest sporting arenas - Wembley and Twickenham - within its old boundaries.
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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