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 Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Strategic Buyer jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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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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