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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier partnerships in the automotive industry.
- Company: Join a global leader in automotive electrical systems with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holiday, pension, dental, health, life insurance, and relocation package.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team making a global impact in automotive technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement; degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business preferred.
- Other info: CIPS qualification is a plus; strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Staffordshire
Industry: Automotive
Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: Competitive £45-55k dependent on experience
Benefits: Holiday, Pension, Dental, Health, Life Insurance
Other: Relocation package provided
About the Role
We are looking for a highly skilled and commercially astute Senior Strategic Buyer to lead procurement activities. You will be part of a forward-thinking procurement team, you’ll build and manage strategic supplier partnerships, lead commercial negotiations, and ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and innovative supply chain for key electrical technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies.
- Manage supplier selection, qualification, and performance monitoring to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
- Negotiate contracts and long-term agreements to secure competitive pricing and commercial terms.
- Work closely with R&D, engineering, quality, and production teams to align sourcing with technical specifications and program milestones.
- Monitor market trends, technology shifts and supply risks to inform strategic decisions.
- Support new product introductions and model launches by ensuring timely sourcing and component availability.
- Identify cost-reduction opportunities and drive continuous improvement with suppliers.
About You
- Proven experience in strategic procurement and supply chain analysis roles within the automotive, aerospace or FMCG industries.
- Deep knowledge of supplier markets and the influences surrounding securing supply of critical components on time and to budget.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with a results-oriented approach.
- Able to read technical drawings/specs and collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Excellent communication, project management, and analytical abilities.
- Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business preferred.
- CIPS qualification is a plus.
Why Join?
- Be at the forefront of innovation in automotive electrical systems.
- Join a collaborative, high-performing procurement team with global impact.
- Enjoy a competitive salary and great development opportunities.
- Work with a global company with world-class procurement teams.
Senior Strategic Buyer employer: RHL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RHL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automotive electrical components. Understanding current market dynamics and technological advancements will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and automotive sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in supplier management. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to secure competitive pricing and build strong supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Aligning your personal goals with our company's objectives can make a significant impact during the interview process, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic procurement and supply chain analysis, particularly within the automotive or related industries. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and successful supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your experience with sourcing strategies and how you can contribute to building strategic supplier partnerships. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the automotive industry.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business, or hold a CIPS qualification, make these stand out in your application. These qualifications are important for the role and should be clearly visible.
Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your communication, project management, and analytical abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at RHL Recruitment
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and the automotive industry. Understand their products, market position, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the Senior Strategic Buyer role, be ready to discuss your experience with supplier markets, procurement strategies, and contract negotiations. Brush up on relevant terminology and be prepared to explain how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a key part of this role, so be prepared to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved. This will showcase your results-oriented mindset and ability to secure competitive terms.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires working closely with various teams such as R&D and engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different departments in previous roles. Provide examples that illustrate your communication skills and ability to align sourcing with technical specifications.
