Purchasing Coordinator - Norfolk

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 Norfolk

A county in the east of England, Norfolk is bordered by Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire - the rest of it is surrounded by the North Sea.

There are a number of large communities in the region, which offer plenty of opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Coordinator positions. These include Norwich, the county town, as well as Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Thetford.

During its early history, Norfolk was important militarily, as it was vulnerable to invasion. Therefore, many forts were built in the region to defend the coastline.

Norfolk's economy has largely been based in agriculture throughout its past, particularly in sheep farming and wool production. Cereals like wheat and barley, sugar beet and rapeseed are also commonly produced.

A number of large companies are based in Norfolk, or have large facilities here. Aviva is a multinational insurance company that was previously known as Norwich Union. Colman's is also based in Norwich - famous for its spicy English mustard, these days it also produces various sauces and gravies. Bernard Matthews Farms is also situated in the area.

The ports at Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn are both busy locations, particularly for bulk cargo and products like timber and steel. Meanwhile, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has been established to create an enterprise zone to aid new businesses in the green energy sector.

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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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