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 Slough
Located in Berkshire, Slough is 22 miles west of London and ten miles from Heathrow airport. The borough is well-placed for travel to other parts of the country - or indeed other parts of the world - and it offers a wide range of options for those seeking Buyer vacancies.
Until the 1800s, Slough was mainly an agricultural area with apple orchards and plant nurseries. It was also known for brick manufacture. In fact, the blocks used to build Eton College all came from Slough. However, after the Great Western Railway was built, this part of the economy began to decline and industry was on the rise.
The Slough Trading Estate was established in 1920 and was one of the earliest examples of this kind of commercial property in the UK. At the time, it was used for repairing and reselling ex-army vehicles, after the first world war, and was home to a number of factories.
Since the mid 1990s, Slough's economy has shifted from manufacturing to information technology and the majority of the factories have since been shut down and replaced with offices.
Today, the Slough Trading Estate is the largest of its type in Europe, with more than 600 buildings, 500 companies and around 20,000 people working there on a daily basis. Current resident businesses include Mars, Fiat, LG, Ferrari, Fullers Logistics, Stanley Black and Decker and Telefonica O2.
In addition, Slough is home to various financial and business services organisations, while health and education are also responsible for a significant portion of the region's employment opportunities.
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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