Commodity Manager jobs
Procurement is a huge part of any manufacturing operation’s expenditure, so any efforts that can be made to reduce the cost of procurement has be worth using. The commodity manager will be in charge of this effort, and will be required to meet or exceed targets set by head office with regard to minimising procurement costs and thereby maximising profitability.
The commodity manager has several strands to his or her job. First, they will try to seek out good deal by keeping fully abreast of the industry in which they operate, paying special attention to the activities of potential suppliers. Second, they will compile lists of potential target suppliers and invite them to tender deals. Third, they will enter preliminary negotiations with the most promising candidates, after which they will start to focus in on the favourite with a view to negotiating a final contract.
Good contract managers will have not only their own company’s interests at heart but also those of the supplier, however. While keeping clients happy is unquestionably good practice, it’s very easy to alienate and de-motivate suppliers by driving too hard a bargain, and if this backfires, the company’s lifeblood could be temporarily removed.
That’s why the job of the commodity manager is as much a partner as that of a client. Forming good relationships will lead to better contracts in future, and that all contributes to a company’s profitability.
The skills required
Commodity managers should have a superb ability to analyse various deals as they come in from potential suppliers, in order to determine which ones represent the best value in the short-term as well as the long-term. They should also be good negotiators, able to appreciate both sides of a deal and the desires and ambitions of suppliers just as much as those of his or her own employer.
Communication is key to all of these skills, and is therefore probably the overarching ability for the role. Good deals communicated badly can be rejected out of hand, but there’s also the communication within the company’s walls to get right. It’s vital that the facts and figures are delivered accurately to those who ultimately have to make the decisions. Communication is a key asset in diplomacy and negotiation, which are key parts of the job.
A good understanding of the specific markets in which the employer operates would be a distinct advantage, particularly if it has been gained in the procurement environment.
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
At any given time, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so wherever you live, or plan to live, we are well placed to find work that suits your skills.
We were founded by specialists in the logistics, supply chain and procurement trade, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for. In fact, employers often approach us to find managerial and executive candidates, so if you’re in procurement, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
So whether you’re relocating for personal reasons or are simply looking for more job fulfilment, there could well be an employer who’s looking for the skills you have. Please get in touch today!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Commodity Manager for your business or find you a job as a Commodity Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Commodity Manager Jobs in Humberside
Located in northern England, Humberside was a county until it was abolished in 1996 and replaced with several unitary authorities, including Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. Although it may be gone in name, the communities in Humberside offer a variety of roles for those seeking Commodity Manager positions.
Humberside was created in 1972 as part of the Local Government Act. Before this, the regions that made up the county had been based in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, shipbuilding and manufacturing. However, the county suffered due to its north and south sections being separated by the River Humber until the Humber Bridge was completed in 1981.
These days, the regions that once made up Humberside have gone through significant regeneration and have economies that are predominantly based in the service sector and tourism.
Hull is an important port town, both for cargo and ferries to Europe. It's also home to a number of chemical and pharmaceutical companies like Reckitt Benckiser, BP, Seven Seas and Smith & Nephew.
Meanwhile, Grimsby is known for its fishing and it sees a lot of containerised cargo enter its ports every year. The fish that comes into the town is processed here and both Young's Seafood and Findus produce fresh and frozen fish products.
Other companies based in Humberside, or with large facilities in the region, include Tata Steel, Corus, Singleton Birch, BOC, Nisa Today and Ericsson.
