About Purchasing
Purchasing is a discipline of immense importance to AstraZeneca. A vital cornerstone of our global business, it assures best value and underpins our performance in the marketplace.
"Purchasing is a central part of any business and involves a huge array of skills, which is why I like it. You need to have both analytical and interpersonal skills. You are meeting and talking to different people all the time, and seeing important projects - the very core of the business - evolve all the time."
What does the job involve?
AstraZeneca has to operate on a global scale with a huge number of external suppliers, from engineering specialists and bulk drug manufacturers to laboratory supplies companies, clinical researchers and conference organisers. Our purchasing teams help ensure the company is able to take products to market at greater speed and with greater cost-effectiveness. Purchasing covers many different job functions across the organisation, but all involve building relationships and maintaining links with suppliers, working and negotiating with others to get maximum results.
What kind of qualifications do I need?
You"ll need to have a degree for a career in purchasing - recruits have often studied Business or Economics, but science degrees can prove equally valuable. There are also opportunities to move into purchasing from other disciplines, for example, Research and Development. The right attitude is crucial. Purchasing professionals need to be persuasive, self-confident and have a capacity for teamwork. Once you join, AstraZeneca will provide comprehensive in-house training, and you"ll be expected to take professional purchasing qualifications, with the company"s support.
What kind of career opportunities will I enjoy?
New recruits are given experience across the purchasing portfolios. From there you can move to one of three business areas: Sales and Marketing, where your skills would save money to be reinvested elsewhere; Operations, where your aim would be to reduce lead times on materials and components; or Research and Development, where you would concentrate on building supplier relationships. Moving up the scale, purchasing staff can progress through Senior Buyer to Purchasing Specialist to Purchasing Manager or Senior Manager and, ultimately, to Country Head. Whatever route you choose, travel may well be a part of the job.
Where can I work
Purchasing staff in the UK are mainly located at Alderley Park in Cheshire, and Charnwood, Leicestershire, with some opportunities also available in Luton.
Where can I find out more?
Check out our website
www.astrazeneca.co.uk or
www.ideas.astrazeneca.com
