Senior Buyer jobs
From manufacturing to communications, retail to defence, transport to education - in just about every sector, there is a need for procurement professionals, and Senior Buyers play an important role in ensuring that goods are sourced on time and within budget.
Of course, every position is different, but in most cases, a Senior Buyer will be responsible for finding suppliers, negotiating contracts and seeking ways to reduce costs, improve quality and increase customer satisfaction.
The skills required
Anyone looking to take on a new role as a Senior Buyer should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the intricacies of the purchasing process, as well as the relevant laws and legislation.
Successful candidates should have good organisation and project management skills, while an ability to build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders is also vital. You should be a confident negotiator with a talent for communicating well with a wide range of people.
Knowledge of the various systems and software used within the procurement industry is recommended, as well as the Microsoft Office package - including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
In most cases, a Senior Buyer will be in charge of a team. Therefore, a strong sense of leadership is a must. So is an ability to train, guide and motivate your team and deal with issues as they arise.
Senior Buyer Jobs in the West Midlands
Comprising seven metropolitan boroughs - the city of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands is an English county with plenty of opportunities for those seeking Senior Buyer vacancies.
Throughout history, the region has been known for its commerce and industry. During the Middle Ages, wool and cloth manufacture brought a significant amount of wealth to the West Midlands, particularly in Coventry.
By the 1700s, metalworking, small arms manufacture and mining were all important for the local economy, and this expanded to include bicycle building during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. In addition, two large banks - Lloyds and Midlands Bank (which later became HSBC) were both founded in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fast forward to today and the West Midlands is thriving. Birmingham, which vies with Manchester for the title of Britain's second city, has been called one of the best places in the country to have a business and it seems that big companies agree.
From finance and media, to manufacturing, engineering, tourism, retail and the service sector, there are many well-known organisations with headquarters or other large facilities in the region - including Cooks the Bakery, Marston's, Chubb Locks and Carillion.
Jaguar, Land Rover and MG cars are also manufactured in the West Midlands, along with London's iconic black taxis.
Popular locations
Search for Senior Buyer vacancies with Cast UK
Here at Cast UK, we have worked hard to become one of the UK's leading recruiters in the supply chain & Procurement sector. Our team of consultants have all held roles in these fields, giving them a good understanding of what makes the ideal candidate for a position.
In addition, our regional experts have specialist knowledge about the various parts of the country, and we will work with you to understand your objectives and help ensure your career is headed in the right direction.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Senior Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Senior Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Contact us