Sourcing Manager jobs
For any given raw material or component that is supplied to a company for their manufacturing process, there could well be dozens of potential suppliers. Their variations will be in more than price, however. For example, some will have better delivery terms; others might be able deliver small batches with no surcharge or large batches at short notice; others again might be able to perform a task that the manufacturer would normally do, relieving their workload. So choosing the supplier will be a balancing act between many factors.
The sourcing manager will be in charge of reviewing the offers of the potential suppliers and deciding which one, or which ones, offer the best deal when all factors are considered. They might then be involved with drawing up a supply contract in order to make sure both parties are certain as to what agreements have been reached.
As most manufactured goods will have several suppliers, the sourcing manager will need to balance them in order to work out the best deal. One supplier might be able to provide two materials and reduce transportation costs even though the material costs are higher, and there could be dozens of possible permutations over a complex process. Ultimately, the sourcing manager will be judged on his or her ability to drive down costs, and this will be done through diligent searching, best possible publicity of open tenders and excellent negotiating skills.
The skills required
With the benefits of one supplier over another not necessarily being down to simply costs, the sourcing manager will need a thorough and analytical mindset to be able to cope with the complexity of the procurement balancing act. He or she should also be able to identify potential hidden costs and ensure that they are dealt with at the negotiation and contracting stage.
Experience of procurement will be a distinct advantage, particularly procurement within the same sector as that in which the position has become available. Sourcing can be of anything from sand to silicon chips, so it is unlikely that expertise in one would be much use in the other.
The sourcing manager could well be in charge of a department, possibly split into categories or geographical regions, so she or he will need excellent people management and communication skills if the corporate aims are to be met.
Sourcing Manager Jobs in Peterborough
Situated in the east of England, around 75 miles north of London, Peterborough is a cathedral city on the River Nene. As a centre of new business, the region has seen a significant amount of growth and it's a good choice for those seeking Sourcing Manager roles.
For much of Peterborough's history it led a quiet existence as a market town. When the abbey was re-classified as a cathedral in 1541, Peterborough became a city and started to expand.
The start of the Industrial Revolution, as well as the arrival of the railway, further boosted Peterborough's economy and by the mid-19th century, products like ironwork, bricks and elastic webbing were manufactured here.
A corn exchange was founded in 1860 and a beet sugar factory opened in 1926 - British Sugar maintains its headquarters in nearby Woodston, although production has moved to other locations.
In 1932, Perkins Engines was established to manufacture diesel engines and a variety of other industrial machinery companies also called the area home. Today, businesses in the manufacturing sector include Baker Perkins, Indesit and Peter Brotherhood.
The financial sector is also a thriving part of the local economy, with organisations like Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, BNP Paribas, Barclays Personal Investment Management, Diligenta, BGL and Churchill Insurance all having offices in Peterborough.
What's more, Peterborough is a hub for environmental industry and innovation, with companies like Natural England and the Environment Agency being based here.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK was founded by logistics, procurement and supply chain specialists, and our consultants are all from these backgrounds too, so we have in-depth knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers come to us to find candidates because they’re confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate managers and executives.
Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are located or plan to locate. If you’re moving house, please see if there are any positions available in the area you’re moving to; and if you’re simply looking for more fulfilment in your working life, there could be an employer looking for the skills you have.
When we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise, so do get in touch if you’re looking for a job in procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Sourcing Manager for your business or find you a job as a Sourcing Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Contact us