Purchasing Manager - Somerset

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 Somerset

Located in the west of England, Somerset shares borders with four other counties: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. It also borders Bristol, which is its own unitary authority.

Somerset is a good option for those seeking Purchasing Manager roles, with settlements in the region including two cities, Bath and Wells, as well as Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil and Bridgwater. There's also the county town, Taunton.

During the Industrial Revolution, the region's biggest port was the one at Bridgwater on the River Parrett. Bricks and roof tiles were common exports at the time, but today, the region's economy is varied, with important industries including the service sector, retail and tourism, as well as agriculture, light industry and technology.

Just some of the products manufactured in Somerset include helicopters from AgustaWestland and oxygen systems for aircraft from Normalair Garratt.

Meanwhile, Ariel Motors Ltd makes performance motor vehicles in Crewkerne and there's a BAE Systems facility in Yeovil that produces military software.

Somerset is also home to a number of large distribution centres run by companies like Argos, Gerber Juice and Toolstation. Stone quarrying is also an important part of the local economy.

Other companies based in the region or with large facilities here include Blackthorn Cider, Ilchester Cheese and YeoValley Organic.

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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