Supply Manager jobs
Demand can be an unpredictable beast, and taming it is the holy grail of any manufacturing operation. In most cases there will be a reliable background demand, relatively predictable seasonal demands, plannable increases following sales and marketing campaigns and finally the almost random element of events that take manufacturers by surprise. The reason this can all be a problem is that materials cannot be conjured up from nowhere to meet demand – they need to be sourced, and a shock to the manufacturer’s system will probably also be a shock to the supplier’s when the order comes in.
This is why supply needs to be given a good deal of attention and have a dedicated team ensuring its constant activity. The supply manager will oversee a team of purchasers and analysts who will be on a never-ending mission to reconcile current stock levels with forecasted demand. Under the manager’s instruction, they will be seeking out the best deals from suppliers and putting in orders in a timely manner to ensure delivery.
For the manager’s part, he or she will be in regular contact with the sales and marketing teams, the shop floor, senior management and the suppliers themselves to keep the factory supplied with the raw materials needed for their processes.
The skills required
The supply manager will first and foremost need people management and communication skills. They will be dealing with a diverse set of stakeholders from boardroom to factory floor, sales and marketing to suppliers. The information shared must be precise, accurate and timely if the manufacturing is to take place in an efficient and customer-friendly way.
Organisational skills are also vital in the supply manager. The tangle of demands from higher up the chain has to be reconciled with the capabilities of the suppliers, and much work will be done planning deliveries so that they arrive with the minimum of cost in terms of procurement and storage.
Supply Manager Jobs in Exeter
Situated in Devon, Exeter is a historic city on the River Exe. It is known as being one of the most profitable locations to base a business, meaning there are many opportunities for those seeking Supply Manager roles.
People have been living in this area for thousands of years - and the easily navigable river meant that there was a thriving trade with the Mediterranean as far back as 250 BC.
During the Middle Ages, Exeter had one of the largest markets in the south-west and it was also known for its annual fairs, which continued until the 16th century.
At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Exeter's industry was mainly based on agricultural products. Water power was used to some degree, but the city was too far from a source of coal to make the most of steam power.
The development of the canal network did, however, help to boost Exeter's prominence, and the Bristol and Exeter Railway opened in 1844, further building the local economy.
Today, Exeter is a bustling city with plenty of retail space, particularly in the Princesshay Shopping Centre. It is also home to a number of big employers, with a several companies employing 1,000 people or more - such as British Telecom, EDF and Flybe.
In 2004, the Met Office relocated to Exeter and this organisation is now one of the largest employers in the region, along with Devon County Council and the University of Exeter. Other companies with a significant presence include Tesco, the Highways Agency and Alcoa Howmet.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
People approach Cast UK for a number of reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating with the family, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. We are a growing force in logistics, procurement and supply chain recruitment, partly because these are the only sectors we deal with. Our founder members and consultants all have backgrounds in these jobs, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Thanks to this focus, many employers come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’ll deliver the best people to them. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the best position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Supply Manager for your business or find you a job as a Supply Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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