Purchasing Manager - Gateshead

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 Gateshead

Located just over the River Tyne from Newcastle, Gateshead has always been somewhat overshadowed and culturally engulfed by its neighbour in the public conscious, but it’s a happening town in its own right, with a huge amount going for it in terms of art, sport and industry. Gateshead was busy during the Industrial Revolution, with coal mining and ironworks playing important roles; the town produced ships’ anchors and chains for which demand was insatiable.

As the availability of electric energy took hold, Gateshead would become known as a cable manufacturing town, and the first trans-Channel telegraph wire was made there, as was half of the first transatlantic one. Sir Joseph Swan, one of those credited with the invention of the lightbulb, lived and performed his experiments in Gateshead, and it is thought that his house was the world’s first to be electrified for lighting. Modern Gateshead is still thriving. It is home to Europe’s largest shopping centre, the Metro Centre, as well as several trading and industrial estates. Gateshead, and its neighbour Newcastle, are ideal places to look for a Purchasing Manager position. The region is doing well economically, and there’s still a good deal of industry to complement the huge opportunity offered by its retail sector.

Culturally, Gateshead is head and wings above many larger towns and cities. Right at its south point is Antony Gormley’s towering Angel of the North statue, and at its northernmost point are the Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which occupies what was a flour mill. Tow of the north’s most iconic bridges, the “Blinking Eye” and the steel arch Tyne Bridge, both join Newcastle with Gateshead (along with five others). Gateshead stadium plays host to top athletics meetings, and for a month in 2006 was the location of the world 100 m sprint record (9.77 seconds) set by Asafa Powell.

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.

Contact us