In this role, you will own complex procurement projects within a fast-moving, high-performance manufacturing environment. You’ll collaborate with Engineering and cross-functional teams to secure robust supply chain solutions, focusing on cost reduction, supplier development, and risk mitigation. You’ll gain hands-on experience on a major automotive programme, from early supplier selection to delivering a manufacturable, high-quality bill of materials. You will shape sourcing strategies and contribute to the program’s success by driving commercial and technical excellence.
Pay / Benefits
Flexible working after probation
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Enhanced pension contributions
Private healthcare
Employee Share Trust participation
EV car salary sacrifice scheme
Responsibilities
Own procurement projects and deliver against defined business requirements
Generate RFIs/RFQs, evaluate responses, lead supplier down-selection, support contract award
Identify, develop and onboard new supply partners
Manage supplier selection and development activities
Develop and execute supplier agreements as needed
Evaluate and monitor supplier performance against project deliverables
Build strong supplier relationships and conduct supplier reviews
Support and drive cost reduction across BOM, assembly cost, and lead times
Identify opportunities to improve commercial performance via alternative sourcing
Use purchasing metrics to measure project success and delivery
Support continuous improvement initiatives
Assess supply chain risks and create mitigation plans
Facilitate DFM reviews with designers and suppliers
Support concurrent engineering to improve manufacturability and reduce lead times
Work with Quality to manage non-conformances and controls during changes
Support supplier audits and ensure quality requirements
Promote innovation within the supply base and identify capability improvements
Collaborate cross-functionally to keep projects on track
Key requirements
Extensive Senior Buyer experience in a complex manufacturing environment
Strong project procurement and purchase project management experience
Experience with ERP/MRP systems in purchasing
Supplier selection, development and performance management experience
Proven RFIs, RFQs, negotiation and supplier down-selection
Experience delivering cost-saving initiatives and identifying commercial opportunities
Understanding of BOM cost and drivers behind component/assembly costs
Experience with DFM and concurrent engineering with Engineering and suppliers
Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence at all levels
Excellent project and time management skills with milestone focus
Experience managing supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and risk
Strong problem-solving and collaborative resolution abilities
Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
Resilience to work under pressure and ability to work autonomously
Commercial acumen and ability to build compelling business cases
Background in automotive, aerospace, defence, or other complex manufacturing (beneficial)
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