At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: ALTEN, a global engineering consultancy driving innovation across various industries.
- Benefits: Personalised career path, private medical insurance, flexible working, and team-building events.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 48231 - 58949 £ per year.
Company Description
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide.
We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.
Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced
Direct Commodity Buyer to join a dynamic purchasing team supporting complex manufacturing and engineering programmes within a rapidly evolving industry.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys developing sourcing strategies, driving supplier performance, and delivering value across global supply chains.
- On Site: Hybrid (4x onsite)
- Clearance: Clearable
Experience Level: Mid Level
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of sourcing and procurement strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure the delivery of quality products and services, on time and within budget.
- Lead sourcing activities, including supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and contract placement.
- Monitor supplier performance and work collaboratively to drive continuous improvement across quality, cost, and delivery metrics.
- Identify opportunities to optimise costs, improve efficiencies, and maximise value throughout the supply chain.
- Support commercial negotiations and contribute to achieving business and programme targets.
- Analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform procurement decisions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and programme management.
- Support risk identification and mitigation activities within the supply chain.
- Ensure procurement activities are conducted in line with company policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
- Prepare and maintain purchasing documentation, reports, and performance metrics.
- Contribute to new product introductions, programme delivery, and business improvement initiatives where required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Support issue resolution and escalation management to minimise business impact and ensure continuity of supply.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across the supplier network.
Qualifications
Required Skills
- Minimum 3 years' experience within a Purchasing, Procurement, Commodity Management, Supply Chain, or Commercial role.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and supporting sourcing activities.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk considerations.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Experience working within cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
- Ability to present information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.
- Willingness to travel as required to support suppliers and business needs.
Required Qualifications
- A
- Bachelor’s or
- Master’s degree in
Engineering , or equivalent military experience .
Desirable Skills
- Experience within automotive, manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, rail, defence, industrial, or other regulated industries.
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, or commodity management principles.
- Experience supporting supplier performance improvement initiatives.
- Understanding of cost analysis, cost reduction programmes, and value engineering methodologies.
- Experience participating in supplier negotiations and contract discussions.
- Familiarity with supply chain risk management and supplier assessment processes.
- Experience using ERP, purchasing, or procurement management systems.
- Understanding of production, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
- Degree qualified in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Professional procurement qualifications (CIPS or equivalent) would be advantageous.
- Additional Information
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners.
We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance.
As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.
UK.
If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected .
Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain components employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain components
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like ALTEN.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain components
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ALTEN:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ALTEN. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like ALTEN.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at ALTEN!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at ALTEN. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into ALTEN's culture.
