Strategic Buyer jobs
Forward planning in procurement is hugely important, not least because there are so many factors that change as time goes by that are difficult to gauge with precision. Fluctuations in exchange rates and changes in import or export duties can affect companies, for example; or unusual weather patterns can scupper the best laid plans. There are other elements that are more predictable, however. Seasonal changes in supply certainly affect industries such as food and horticulture; and changes in demand, such as those created by summer holidays or Christmas are relatively more straightforward.
The strategic buyer will be in charge of creating a procurement profile over the long term, taking into account the known or expected changes but also allowing for variations that cannot be accurately predicted. Whether this will involve contingency planning or coming up with particular guarantees from suppliers will depend on the raw materials or other products being supplied, but the strategic buyer, looking at the big picture, should be able to maintain supply to his or her company unless something off the scale happens.
The strategic buyer could have a team of planners to help gather data, and there will necessarily be a good deal of contact with the suppliers to ensure supply through negotiation and contracting. As well as maintaining supply, the task will still be to keep costs to a minimum, just like any procurement role; however when long-term interests supersede short-terms ones, management will usually be wise to listen to the strategist.
The skills required
Excellent planning and analysis abilities will be the mainstay of the strategic buyer. This is a role aimed at minimising shocks to the company’s system caused by unexpected lack of supply or price hikes. A thorough understanding of the sector in which the position is vacant, including the seasonality of its suppliers, will be essential for this role. A very good grasp of risk management and an ability to gauge when potential risk is too great to overlook will also be required.
Meeting with suppliers and potential suppliers and negotiating deals will be a big part of the job, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills will be required, as well as an ability to be persuasive when driving a bargain that is best for the client. Experience in procurement at a high level will be useful.
Strategic Buyer Jobs in Doncaster
Doncaster has a colourful history that dates back at least as far as the Romans, when it was served by an important road between London and the North. Nowadays the South Yorkshire town remains a well connected place, with the M18 an A1(M) passing the town and excellent rail connections to Sheffield an Leeds to the west and the docks of Hull to the east. The canals helped bring wealth to the town, particularly when vast coal seams were discovered nearby and the town boomed. There is also Robin Hood International Airport on the doorstep, although it is probably more famous for a mischievous tweet than for its global aviation repute!
Although coal mining has largely ended in the area, it is one of the few places that still has active mines. During the Industrial Revolution the place was a hotbed of industry, with steel manufacture, glassmaking, railway engineering and chemical manufacturing going on. In the 1930s tractors started being made in the town by International Harvester. This tradition survived right up until 2007 after several buy-outs and mergers.
Anyone looking for Strategic Buyer work in Doncaster should be greeted by a seam of opportunities as rich as the coal’s. As well as the airport and road links, it is home to Doncaster International Railport, a vast railway complex that distributes goods nationally and ultimately internationally. Many companies have recognised this sweet spot and set up distribution centres and warehousing facilities in the area. Names include B&Q, DFS, Next, Faberge, Tesco, IKEA, Exel and Amazon.
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Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Whatever the season, Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we’re best placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are. 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.
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.
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 Strategic Buyer for your business or find you a job as a Strategic Buyer then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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