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 Leicester
A city in the East Midlands and the county town of Leicestershire, Leicester was originally founded as a Roman settlement and those living or working in the area can still see some of the pavements and bathhouses that survive from that period.
For hundreds of years, Leicester thrived as a market town. Then in the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to a major boost in the city's wealth and population. The construction of an extensive rail and canal network also helped bring business, money and more people to the region.
During this period, Leicester became known for its shoemaking industry, while hosiery and textiles were also manufactured in the area. In addition, it was a hub of engineering and a financial centre.
In fact, Leicester's reliance on engineering has continued through to today, with a variety of companies like Jones & Shipman, Richards Engineering and Trelleborg - known for their machining of tools and equipment, as well as components for marine and industrial applications - all having offices in the city. Fabric and footwear are also still important parts of the local economy.
A number of large companies call this city home, meaning there's a wealth of opportunity for those seeking Supply Manager jobs in Leicester. Big names like Next, Goldsmiths, British Gas Business, Walmart and DHL all have head offices here, while around ten million bags of crisps are manufactured every day at the Walkers Crisps factory in Beaumont Leys.
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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