Purchasing Coordinator jobs
Running a procurement operation for a large company is not a simple task, and it is certainly not something that can be left to uncoordinated individuals to perform. No matter how talented and hard-working they are, there will inevitably be gaps and overlaps in their purchasing efforts, and this will all add up to inefficiencies in the system.
The purchasing coordinator will work alongside the purchasing manager and head office to make sure plans are implemented in a methodical and efficient manner, thus maximising the effect of the procurement department. He or she will be involved with planning when to approach companies with procurement propositions and when to embark on negotiations of rates with potential and existing suppliers.
With all the procurement figures at his or her disposal, the purchasing coordinator will have some responsibility for analysing performance and identifying areas where savings can be made, although in many cases the calculations will be carried out by specialist analysts and/or software. Once the statistics have been absorbed and interpreted, it will be up to the purchasing coordinator to steer the procurement department in the correct direction to improve performance and help boost company profits.
The skills required
The purchasing coordinator is a role of many strands, with a host of skills coming into play. There are the people management skills – relaying the plans made with the management to the team so that everyone knows their role perfectly. There are also very important analysis responsibilities in this role, too. Although the actual analysis might not be performed by the coordinator in person, it is vital that they fully understand the results, conclusions and recommendations when they are planning their coordination actions.
Ideally, the purchasing coordinator will have a background in procurement at some level, but managerial experience with some executive responsibilities would be valued as experience.
Purchasing Coordinator Jobs in Basingstoke
Situated in north-east Hampshire, less than 50 miles from London and just 16 miles from Reading, Basingstoke is a lovely town that has expanded significantly since the end of the 20th century. Today, it offers a variety of possibilities for those seeking Purchasing Coordinator vacancies.
With its beginnings as a Saxon village, Basingstoke was a fairly large settlement at the time of the Domesday Book, with a population of around 200, three water-powered flour mills and a weekly market.
By the 13th century, this population had nearly tripled and the town was granted a charter in 1257 - at the time, its economy mainly relied on the production of wool and cloth.
The railway arrived in Basingstoke in 1839, simplifying transport and trade between the town and London, as well as offering connections the following year to Winchester and Southampton.
Later in the 19th century, Thomas Burberry set up his first shop in Basingstoke, and his brand grew to become a household name - one which continues to be known for its luxury fashion and tartan pattern, although the company is now headquartered in London.
These days, Basingstoke is an economic hub and home to the UK headquarters of a number of large financial, insurance and technology companies - including Motorola, Sony Professional Solutions, Sun Life, The Automobile Association and ST Ericsson. Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals facilities are operated by the likes of Mercona, Valeant, Steris, Shire and Biomerieux.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK was founded by logistics, procurement and supply chain specialists, and our consultants are all from these backgrounds too, so we have in-depth knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers come to us to find candidates because they’re confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate managers and executives.
Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are located or plan to locate. If you’re moving house, please see if there are any positions available in the area you’re moving to; and if you’re simply looking for more fulfilment in your working life, there could be an employer looking for the skills you have.
When we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise, so do get in touch if you’re looking for a job in procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Coordinator for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Coordinator then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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