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 Northern Ireland
The smallest country in the UK, Northern Ireland has traditionally been associated with industries like shipping, rope making and textile manufacture. In fact, during the American Civil War, the supply of cotton from the States was cut and Belfast gained the nickname Linenopolis, as Irish linen helped to alleviate problems caused by the shortage.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Belfast was home to many of the world's top shipbuilders, including Harland and Wolff, the firm that went on to build the RMS Titanic, her sisters the Britannic and Olympic and other vessels like the HMS Belfast during the early 20th century.
Northern Ireland has also seen its share of violence and civil unrest, during a period known as the Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Since then, the country has grown more stable and a number of redevelopment projects have helped to turn Northern Ireland into a thriving place with an economy based mainly in the service sector - although many of the older business are still in operation. What's more, there are plenty of opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Coordinator vacancies.
Just some of the companies with regional headquarters or other facilities in the region include DuPont and Caterpillar. In addition, Short Brothers, one of the first companies in the world to produce aircraft, moved to Northern Ireland in 1948 - today it owned by Bombardier Aerospace and produces flight control systems and other components.
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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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