Purchasing Specialist jobs
Procurement and supply chain management are an important part of any company, no matter what the industry or business model.
The Purchasing Specialist for a manufacturing facility, for example, will need to find suppliers and liaise with them to ensure the raw materials for a project are delivered on time and within budget. That way, production can continue at the intended pace.
Meanwhile, the Purchasing Specialist for a supermarket chain will source the various products sold in shops, making sure all products are priced competitively and that shelves are always well stocked.
Of course, having too much of something could actually be detrimental to a company. Warehouse space for overstocked goods can be difficult to find and the extra inventory can be problematic for a company’s bottom line. As a Purchasing Specialist, you will need to find and maintain the right balance.
The skills required
Depending on the employer, the role of a Purchasing Specialist will vary. In any position, however, strong organisational skills and an ability to communicate and negotiate effectively are essential. You should also be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the systems and software that are commonly used in the field.
Self-motivation is important, and you should always be looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer perceptions. In most cases, you will also be responsible for reporting on KPIs to company stakeholders.
Many Purchasing Specialists will be team leaders and daily tasks may include training and providing guidance to staff, as well as dealing with any problems as they arise.
Purchasing Specialist Jobs in Walsall
Walsall has gone through countless changes through history, not least with its name, which was once Walesho, meaning valley of the Welsh speakers. It was also historically in Staffordshire, but is now part of the West Midlands metropolitan county, along with Birmingham and Wolverhampton, its neighbour in the west.
The population of Walsall, which had been a relatively small village, exploded during the Industrial Revolution, and it was an important coal mining, limestone quarrying, iron and brass founding and leatherworking centre. This latter trade is still associated with the town, hence the football club’s nickname The Saddlers. Modern industries include plastics, aircraft parts, chemicals and electronics. The RAC has its control centre nearby, as anyone who has travelled on the M6 will know. Recently the high street clothing and homeware store TK Maxx opened its regional depot there.
The town is particularly well served by the road and rail networks, which along with its location right in the centre of England, has opened up the opportunity for companies to locate their depots and warehouses in the area. This means that Purchasing Specialist positions are frequently asked for by local employers. And like many towns and cities with strong links to Britain’s industrial past, there’s a workforce and work ethic to fulfil them.
Popular locations
Discover Purchasing Specialist roles with Cast UK
Based in Manchester, Cast UK undertakes recruitment projects for clients throughout the country, helping to find the right talent for every vacancy.
Our team of consultants have previously worked in these fields, meaning they have an understanding of what makes a good candidate. We also have a team of regional specialists who can provide advice about the job market in particular areas.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Specialist for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Specialist then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
Contact us