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- Tasks: Lead a small team in strategic purchasing for automotive commodities.
- Company: Join a dynamic automotive client focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, early Fridays, and a competitive benefits package.
- Why this job: Great opportunity for career development in a strategic role with impactful responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Solid procurement experience in manufacturing or automotive is essential.
- Other info: Must have a full driving license and be open to travel.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for our automotive client for a Strategic Senior Buyer to join the growing team within directs such as electrical, metal, plastics a like. These are strategic positions where you will take full ownership for your assigned commodity areas and manage a small team, you will be required to, identify cost optimisation opportunities and take a commercial outlook for your category under control.
You will need to have gained a solid purchasing background within a manufacturing, automotive or related environment and thrive in a strategic role and have proven people management expertise. These opportunities offer a great setting to continue your development with great learning and progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commodity Strategy Development: Maintain and develop strategies for specific commodities, staying up to date on market developments and potential suppliers
- Team Leadership – Manage, mentor, develop and coach a small team of buyers
- Cost Analysis & Savings: Evaluate cost data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and positively impact procurement performance.
- Negotiations: Confidently negotiate total costs and contracts with current and potential suppliers.
- Value for Money: Apply tools and techniques to close cost gaps while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Supplier Performance: Manage supplier performance and development activities
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Quality Support: Support the quality department in achieving full Quality Approval.
- Process Improvement: Strive for internal and supplier process improvement, focusing on business ‘Best Practice’ initiatives.
- Risk Management: Identify supplier risks and develop robust mitigation strategies.
- Supplier Relationships: Lead and promote strong supplier relationships.
- Business Objectives: Play an instrumental role in achieving business objectives, meeting, or exceeding defined goals.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Experience: Previous procurement experience in a strategic procurement function or have the ability to take this step and deliver in this setting is essential
- Strategic Understanding: Knowledge of the strategic role of procurement and ability to work at this level.
- Expertise with supplier development and evaluation
- Proven people management expertise
- Skills: Effective time management, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Driving License: Must hold a full driving license and be prepared to travel as required.
Our client offers hybrid working, early finish on a Friday as well as comprehensive benefits alongside a highly competitive package.
1st Executive Strategic Senior Buyer employer: 1st Executive
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1st Executive Strategic Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the automotive procurement sector. Understanding market developments and potential suppliers will give you an edge during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing teams effectively. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've mentored or developed team members in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Practice articulating your approach to negotiating contracts and costs, as demonstrating confidence in this area will be key to impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategies for supplier relationship management. Think about how you've built strong partnerships in the past and be ready to share your insights on maintaining these relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Executive Strategic Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant procurement experience, especially in strategic roles within the automotive or manufacturing sectors. Emphasize your people management skills and any specific achievements related to cost optimization and supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your strategic understanding of procurement and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific examples of your past successes in similar positions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills in your application. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully utilized these skills in previous positions, particularly in negotiations and team leadership.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any relevant training, certifications, or courses you have completed that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in procurement and supply chain management. This will show your potential employer that you are proactive about your growth in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your experience in developing and implementing commodity strategies. Highlight specific examples where you've identified cost optimization opportunities and how you approached them strategically.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, share your experiences in mentoring and developing others. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and the impact it had on procurement performance.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to engage in discussions about negotiation tactics. Prepare to share your approach to negotiating contracts and total costs with suppliers, including any successful outcomes you've achieved.
✨Understand Supplier Relationships
Be ready to talk about how you manage supplier performance and relationships. Discuss any tools or techniques you use to maintain strong partnerships while ensuring value for money.
