Purchasing Manager - Plymouth

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 Plymouth

It is impossible to separate the Devon city of Plymouth with its naval heritage. With a seafaring history dating back to before Roman times, it would go on to become a key military port in the Spanish Armada attack and has played a part in most naval battles in British history owing to our nation’s fractious relations with its southern neighbours. It is also the place from where the Pilgrims set off for the New World in the early 1600s, hence the name Plymouth Rock that marks their landing place.

The city had a good Industrial Revolution, with industry growing around the port, ideal for import and export, and nearby Devonport became a shipbuilding centre. The port’s success and importance did have a drawback, however. The city and its docks were heavily damaged by German bombers in World War II, and much of what stands in the centre of Portsmouth today is of post-war origin.

While seafaring still plays a part in the culture of Plymouth, and connected industries still exist in the area, its importance as a naval and commercial maritime centre have diminished somewhat since the 1980s. There has been a growth in hi-tech industries, with establishments such as the Tamar Science Park providing innovation opportunities.

The city is also in the top 20 by population in the UK, which, together with its overseas trading opportunities, make it the kind of transport hub where Purchasing Manager jobs often show up.

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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