Category Buyer jobs
Responsible for sourcing and procurement, as well as negotiating contracts and monitoring supply levels, a Category Buyer plays an important part in the success of a business. After all, getting goods at a low price and to a set schedule is essential in order to meet client demands.
The category method of supply chain management is mainly used in the retail industry, although other sectors have also adopted the strategy. This technique involves organising products into smaller groups of related goods.
For example, a Category Buyer for a chain of supermarkets may specialise in paper goods, tinned vegetables, fresh poultry or women's clothing.
By specialising in a particular category, buyers can gain a better understanding of their market and make informed decisions that benefit the company and its customers.
The job of a Category Buyer will vary from employer to employer, but the role usually involves developing and implementing strategies for procuring goods, working with providers to improve the quality of the products and finding ways to reduce costs.
The skills required
Those applying for roles as a Category Buyer will need strong analytic skills be able to demonstrate an ability to evaluate information in a systematic way.
Communication and negotiation skills are a must and you should be just as comfortable working as part of a team as you are on your own. The role of a Category Buyer can be extremely stressful, so an ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines is vital.
Other useful skills include good organisation and self-motivation. Depending on the role, being able to speak foreign languages could be beneficial. You should also be proficient with the various software packages, as well as word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Category Buyer Jobs in Cumbria
Situated in the north-west of England and sharing a border with Scotland, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland and County Durham, Cumbria is one of England's largest ceremonial counties and it includes settlements like Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal.
Throughout the region's history it has mainly been a rural location known for its stunning mountains and lovely towns and villages. It contains the Lake District National Park and those seeking Category Buyer vacancies in Cumbria will certainly enjoy having this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on their doorstep.
People have been living in Cumbria for thousands of years. The Castlerigg stone circle was built by Neolithic people around 3200 BC, while later inhabitants included the Romans, Angles and Vikings.
By the 19th century, mining had become an important part of the local economy, producing iron ore and coal, while a number of slate quarries established during that time are still in operation today.
These days, there are many large companies based in Cumbria, while plenty more have large facilities in the area. Many of these employers are based in manufacturing - in industries ranging from petrochemicals to food manufacture, steel production, paper making and packaging.
Just some examples include Sealy Beds, Corus, The Stobart Group, Kimberly-Clark, Carr's, McVitie's, Nestle, Heinz, Lakeland and GlaxoSmithKline.
Popular locations
Discover procurement roles with Cast UK
If you're looking to take the next step in your career with a new position as a Category Buyer, Cast UK can help.
Our team of experienced consultants have a unique understanding of the industries in which we work and this knowledge means we can accurately and quickly find the best candidate for each role, saving both applicants and employers time in the recruitment process.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Category Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Category Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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