Strategic Buyer jobs
Forward planning in procurement is hugely important, not least because there are so many factors that change as time goes by that are difficult to gauge with precision. Fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in import or export duties can affect companies, for example; or unusual weather patterns can scupper the best laid plans. There are other elements that are more predictable, however. Seasonal changes in supply certainly affect industries such as food and horticulture; and changes in demand, such as those created by summer holidays or Christmas are relatively more straightforward.
The strategic buyer will be in charge of creating a procurement profile over the long term, taking into account the known or expected changes but also allowing for variations that cannot be accurately predicted. Whether this will involve contingency planning or coming up with particular guarantees from suppliers will depend on the raw materials or other products being supplied, but the strategic buyer, looking at the big picture, should be able to maintain supply to his or her company unless something off the scale happens.
The strategic buyer could have a team of planners to help gather data, and there will necessarily be a good deal of contact with the suppliers to ensure supply through negotiation and contracting. As well as maintaining supply, the task will still be to keep costs to a minimum, just like any procurement role; however when long-term interests supersede short-terms ones, management will usually be wise to listen to the strategist.
The skills required
Excellent planning and analysis abilities will be the mainstay of the strategic buyer. This is a role aimed at minimising shocks to the company’s system caused by unexpected lack of supply or price hikes. A thorough understanding of the sector in which the position is vacant, including the seasonality of its suppliers, will be essential for this role. A very good grasp of risk management and an ability to gauge when potential risk is too great to overlook will also be required.
Meeting with suppliers and potential suppliers and negotiating deals will be a big part of the job, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills will be required, as well as an ability to be persuasive when driving a bargain that is best for the client. Experience in procurement at a high level will be useful.
Strategic Buyer Jobs in Lincoln
The cathedral city of Lincoln has been an important location throughout our island’s history. Iron age settlements have been excavated there, and under the name of Lindum Colonia, it became an key Roman town. It formed the junction of several roads to London, York, the East Coast (present-day Skegness), and the fort of Venonis, near present-day Coventry. The Roman roads still stand out on the map, in the shape of the A46 running south-west towards Leicester, and more notably the north-south running A15 to Scunthorpe, which would follow a perfect straight line all the way were it not for a kink around RAF Scampton, home of the Red Arrows.
The town was largely agricultural until the industrial revolution and the arrival of the railways, which brought many industrial entrepreneurs to the city. One of the companies that was to set up in Lincoln was William Foster & Co., which would go on to design and build the first tanks in their Lincoln factory during the First World War. Much of this heavy industry is no longer in existence in the city, following a series of conglomerations and takeovers, although there is still a large Siemens works and gas turbines remain the largest single source of employment in the city. Most of the old engineering plants have now been converted into small manufacturing, IT and service industries.
The university and tourism are important attractions for jobs and visitors, and there are several out of town retail parks around the city. It is a beautiful city to live and work in, so if you’re on the lookout for a Strategic Buyer job in Lincoln, look no further than Cast UK.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Whatever the season, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we’re best placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are. 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.
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.
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 Strategic Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Strategic Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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