Procurement Director - Leeds

Procurement Director jobs

Procurement is a key concern in every sector - from manufacturing, construction, retail, education and medical, through to government and defence.

This is especially true in a difficult economy, where savings need to be made across the board and the sourcing of products and services must be done with the greatest care to ensure the best outcome.

The role of a procurement director varies from company to company, but the job will generally comprise of responsibilities from managing projects and reporting to stakeholders, through to effectively leading a team and ensuring all procurement activities represent the best value for money.

Other tasks may include designing, updating or re-developing the company's supply chain procedures and taking steps to ensure that all processes run as smoothly as possible.

In all cases, procurement directors will need to demonstrate continual improvements in established routines and instigate regular updates in response to changes in legislation or sector developments.

The skills required

Those applying for procurement director jobs should have an extensive understanding of the entire supply chain process - from tendering and proposals through to assessing suppliers and completing projects.

They should also be well versed in best practice techniques, any applicable legal issues and the latest technologies used in the procurement process.

Since the role will generally involve overseeing a team, applicants will need to possess good planning and leadership skills, as well as an ability to communicate effectively and coach employees. In addition, excellent negotiation, planning, presentation and organisation skills are a must.

Procurement Director Jobs in Leeds

A thriving city in West Yorkshire, Leeds has a long history going back to the Middle Ages, when it was a market town in a highly agricultural region. Textiles including wool and broadcloth were regularly traded and during the late 1700s, exports were becoming increasingly important to the city's economy.

The building of various railways and canals helped the city grow and by the mid 1800s it was well connected with the rest of the country.

During the Industrial Revolution, Leeds was responsible for a variety of innovations and it was home to a number of factories and mills. Meanwhile, agriculture continued to flourish in the region as well.

Since the 19th century, the city has changed significantly. Manufacturing has declined and the textiles industry has all but disappeared. These days, Leeds is known for its corporate and legal sectors, as well as a number of retail, luxury goods, media and finance companies - making it a great choice for those seeking Procurement Director roles.

Various big-name businesses are based in Leeds, including Asda, Carlsberg UK, Optare and Capita. Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd and regional television stations like the BBC and ITV also call the city home, as well as some small commercial production companies.

The Bank of England's only UK subsidiary office is located in Leeds, while other financial institutions include Leeds Building Society and Yorkshire Bank. An array of call centres can also be found in the city.

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Discover new procurement opportunities with Cast UK

Whether you're seeking an opportunity as a procurement director in a stand-alone organisation, or in a shared services environment, Cast UK can help applicants find vacancies that match your skills and experience.

As a leading UK recruitment agency, our team of consultants have a strong understanding of these fields, enabling us to match applicants to the most appropriate roles - saving both time and excess costs for everyone involved.

To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Procurement Director for your business or find you a job as a Procurement Director then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

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