Buyer jobs
Whether a company operates in the medical, manufacturing, construction, education or defence sector - or another industry - it is essential to find the right supplier for the goods and services that the business uses. That's why Buyers are so important to commercial success.
Of course the role of a Buyer isn't just to make the necessary purchases. The job will also require careful research and negotiation to ensure that projects are finished on time, under budget and to the quality standards you require.
Depending on the role and employer, a Buyer may also be responsible for monitoring existing suppliers - in terms of cost, performance and reliability - keeping track of inventory levels and chasing up deliveries as appropriate.
The skills required
As a member of the procurement team, a Buyer should have a strong understanding of how to choose the best supplier for each project. Good numerical and analytical skills are essential and you must be able to negotiate prices and contracts confidently.
Buyers should also have good communication skills and be able to build strong relationships with suppliers.
Working within a global market, it is likely that the suppliers you deal with will be based in other locations like European or Asian countries, so an appreciation of cultural differences and an ability to communicate in foreign languages can be extremely beneficial.
In some cases, the job may also involve a significant amount of travel - to meet the suppliers in person and see the products before entering a contract.
Buyer Jobs in Scotland
From Glasgow to Edinburgh, Gretna Green to Inverness, Scotland is a beautiful country that offers plenty of opportunity for those seeking Buyer vacancies.
Scotland has had a long and tumultuous history, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries when relations with England were fraught with difficulty.
In 1707, the Acts of Union were passed and the Kingdom of Great Britain was created. This resulted in the abolishment of trade tariffs and the Scottish economy quickly grew. Clippers carried tobacco to Glasgow from the New World during the 18th century. Then, during the Industrial Revolution, everything from ships and locomotives through to coal, textiles and steel were produced on a massive scale.
Fast forward to today and Scotland's economy is more focused on the service sector - although manufacturing and oil production are still important.
Edinburgh is one of Europe's largest financial centres, home to companies like Lloyds, Standard Life, the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland. It's also the seat of Scottish government and an important tourist destination, hosting one of the largest culture festivals in the world.
Whisky is one of Scotland's best-known exports, with numerous distilleries and bottlers located around the country, including Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and Teacher's Highland Cream, as well as liqueurs like Drambuie and Glayva.
Other companies with headquarters or regional facilities in Scotland include IBM and Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Amazon, BAE and Rolls-Royce.
Popular locations
Find Buyer vacancies with Cast UK
Here at Cast UK, our team of recruitment experts specialise in helping fill vacancies in supply chain management, logistics and procurement.
Each of our consultants has worked in these industries themselves, and they have a strong understanding of what makes the best candidate for each position. In addition, we endeavour to get to know you on an individual level, ensuring we understand your personality and long-term objectives, as well as your unique skills and abilities.
Cast UK works with clients and candidates in locations across the country to match the best talent to every role. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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