Purchasing Manager - Birmingham

Purchasing Manager jobs

It doesn't matter what sector an organisation operates in. Whether it's medical, manufacturing, construction, education, government, defence or something else, it's essential to procure the right goods and services to keep business moving.

That's why Purchasing Managers are critical members of the procurement team. They are responsible for ensuring raw materials, components, goods, equipment and other assets are obtained on time and within budget. Of course, these acquisitions must adhere to approved quality standards.

As a Purchasing Manager, you will be tasked with finding suppliers, negotiating contracts and monitoring the service provided. Depending on your particular job description, you will probably be required to find ways of improving the supply chain, working to set KPIs and implementing change.

For example, this could mean renegotiating contracts, determining best practice procedures and making use of the latest technologies to make cost savings, enhance performance and improve customer satisfaction.

The skills required

If you're thinking of taking on a role as a Purchasing Manager, you should have excellent negotiation and communication skills. Confidence in building relationships with external suppliers and reporting to company stakeholders is also a must.

A good understanding of the various technologies and software can be beneficial - and in some roles, this will be required.

It's also likely that you'll be heading up a team, so knowledge of management techniques and an ability to organise, motivate and train your staff are all good skills to have.

Purchasing Manager Jobs in Birmingham

The UK's second most populous metropolitan area, Birmingham is often called Britain's second city (although Manchester also lays claim to that title). In any case, it has been a hub of British industry and commerce for hundreds of years, and here at Cast UK, we can help you find your ideal Purchasing Manager job in Birmingham.

In 1791, Arthur Young called Birmingham the world's first manufacturing town and by the mid-1800s it was known for its metal ware. Goods ranged from toys and jewellery through to guns, tools and dishes. Brass, gold, silver, steel and tin were all used, while other products included buttons, glasswork and ceramics.

Times have changed for Birmingham, and it has since become a hub of finance and commerce.

A huge redevelopment scheme, called the Big City Plan, is aiming to make the city one of the world's most liveable locations and the Globalization and World Cities Research Network has ranked it a beta world city due to its importance as a retail, events, conference and transport centre.

Indeed, Birmingham boasts three universities, several colleges, large exhibition centres like the NEC and the International Convention Centre, as well as the Bullring, one of the largest shopping centres in the country.

Many big companies call the city home, and around ten per cent of jobs are based in manufacturing, with employers including Jaguar, Goodyear Dunlop, Cadbury Trebor Bassett and Webley & Scott.

Popular locations

Find Purchasing Manager vacancies with Cast UK

As one of the UK's leading recruitment consultancies in the fields of procurement, logistics and supply chain management, Cast UK can help you find the right job for your skills and qualifications.

Our clients are situated in locations across Britain and since our industry specialists also have regional expertise, we can provide the advice and assistance you need to ensure that your career is headed in the right direction.

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

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