Head of Purchasing - Southampton

Head of Purchasing jobs

In today’s world, the price, quality and availability of a product are all carefully scrutinised by consumers, no matter which industry you’re operating in.

That’s why the role of Head of Purchasing is so important for a company’s success: this person works to ensure that the various assets an enterprise acquires are right for business needs.

This is usually based on criteria such as how much it costs and if stocks arrive on time, thus keeping business moving forward. The quality of the product is also an important consideration.

As the Head of Purchasing, your responsibilities will generally include creating and implementing strategies for choosing suppliers. You will also need to continually reassess and renegotiate agreements in order to maximise margins and drive business.

Depending on the role, the Head of Purchasing may be responsible for managing a team and providing training and support as necessary.

The skills required

If you’re applying for a vacancy as Head of Purchasing, good communication skills are a must and you should be able to effectively negotiate contracts with suppliers. In some cases, foreign languages may be beneficial, especially if goods are sourced from other countries.

Candidates should be analytical and able to understand the intricacies of even the most complicated supply chains. You should also be self-motivated and the type of person who is always looking for ways to improve the company’s standing in the market.

In addition, a good working knowledge of the various software and systems used in the industry is a must.

Head of Purchasing Jobs in Southampton

Southampton has been one of Britain’s most important ports since at least Roman times, and to this day is a major container port (the second largest in the country after Felixstowe) and ferry terminal serving the Isle of Wight and Europe, as well as being the UK’s busiest cruise terminal.

It was from Southampton that Titanic sailed on her fateful journey, although she was built in Belfast and registered in Liverpool. The city has a more celebrated association with transport, however; the Supermarine Spitfire was built near the city and performed its maiden test flight on what was to become the city’s airport. The port’s military and logistical significance did make it a key target for German bombs during World War II, and the city, just across the Channel from occupied France, was badly hit.

The city has admirable links with the logistics industry. It is home to Ordnance Survey, an essential element in the industry, especially in the pre-SatNav days; Carnival Cruises and Associated British Ports also have important stations here. The city has breadth and depth that makes it a good place for Head of Purchasing job opportunities.

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Discover Head of Purchasing positions with Cast UK

If you’re looking for a new opportunity as a Head of Purchasing, Cast UK can help you find the right job for your skills and qualifications.

Our team of recruitment consultants are experts in the industry, having worked in the field for many years themselves. This unique knowledge means that we are perfectly placed to make the best placements for each vacancy.

So if you're ready to take your next step on the career ladder, look no further than Cast UK. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Purchasing for your business or find you a job as a Head of Purchasing then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

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