Purchasing Manager - Cambridgeshire

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 Cambridgeshire

Also known as the County of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire is an English county that shares a border with Lincolnshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffollk. It's a great spot for those seeking Purchasing Manager vacancies.

Historically an agricultural community, in the 11th century, the region's economy relied mainly on wheat production, malt, honey and fishing. During the 1300s, there was a strong wool trade and Cambridgeshire's cloth industry began to grow.

The most famous place in the county is Cambridge University. It was formed in 1209 and is one of the world's oldest universities. It regularly ranks among the best institutions in the country and the world and the institution's list of notable alumni and academics includes royalty, prime ministers, scientists, authors, actors and comedians.

These days, Cambridgeshire is a centre for the development of technology, thanks in part to the Cambridge Science Park, which was an initiative of Trinity College and offered a helping-hand to start-up companies. Indeed, the region has since become known as Silicon Fen - a play on California's Silicon Valley - and just some of the companies that were started here include ARM, CSR, AVEVA and Autonomy Corporation.

Other well-known companies based in Cambridgeshire include British Sugar, Gale's, home shopping channel Ideal World and Perkins Engines. What's more, Debenhams and Tesco both operate large distribution centres in Peterborough.

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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