Sourcing Manager jobs
For any given raw material or component that is supplied to a company for their manufacturing process, there could well be dozens of potential suppliers. Their variations will be in more than price, however. For example, some will have better delivery terms; others might be able deliver small batches with no surcharge or large batches at short notice; others again might be able to perform a task that the manufacturer would normally do, relieving their workload. So choosing the supplier will be a balancing act between many factors.
The sourcing manager will be in charge of reviewing the offers of the potential suppliers and deciding which one, or which ones, offer the best deal when all factors are considered. They might then be involved with drawing up a supply contract in order to make sure both parties are certain as to what agreements have been reached.
As most manufactured goods will have several suppliers, the sourcing manager will need to balance them in order to work out the best deal. One supplier might be able to provide two materials and reduce transportation costs even though the material costs are higher, and there could be dozens of possible permutations over a complex process. Ultimately, the sourcing manager will be judged on his or her ability to drive down costs, and this will be done through diligent searching, best possible publicity of open tenders and excellent negotiating skills.
The skills required
With the benefits of one supplier over another not necessarily being down to simply costs, the sourcing manager will need a thorough and analytical mindset to be able to cope with the complexity of the procurement balancing act. He or she should also be able to identify potential hidden costs and ensure that they are dealt with at the negotiation and contracting stage.
Experience of procurement will be a distinct advantage, particularly procurement within the same sector as that in which the position has become available. Sourcing can be of anything from sand to silicon chips, so it is unlikely that expertise in one would be much use in the other.
The sourcing manager could well be in charge of a department, possibly split into categories or geographical regions, so she or he will need excellent people management and communication skills if the corporate aims are to be met.
Sourcing Manager Jobs in Maidstone
The county town of Kent, Maidstone is situated on the River Medway and is just over 30 miles south-east of London. A bustling town with plenty of history and pretty public gardens, Maidstone is also an excellent option for those seeking Sourcing Manager positions.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around Maidstone has been occupied since the Neolithic era, while the Romans and Normans also had settlements here. For much of the town's history, its economy relied on the river, which powered mills and served as a trade route.
By the 18th century, Maidstone had built up a number of industries, including stone quarrying, brewing and cloth making. Paper was also manufactured here and a technique for making wove paper was developed by James Whatman in 1740.
Today, Maidstone is a thriving community with plenty of retail space, restaurants and accommodation. It's also home to a number of large companies, such as KEF, which makes loudspeakers on the site of what was once a metalworking facility.
Maidstone is home to one of the largest office centres in the country. A significant amount of paper and package making is still carried out here and Aylesford is the largest paper recycling facility in Europe - it also manufactures newsprint.
In recent years, a number of tech and communications companies have also set up operations in Maidstone.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK was founded by logistics, procurement and supply chain specialists, and our consultants are all from these backgrounds too, so we have in-depth knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers come to us to find candidates because they’re confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate managers and executives.
Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are located or plan to locate. If you’re moving house, please see if there are any positions available in the area you’re moving to; and if you’re simply looking for more fulfilment in your working life, there could be an employer looking for the skills you have.
When we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise, so do get in touch if you’re looking for a job in procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Sourcing Manager for your business or find you a job as a Sourcing Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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