At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for automotive and motorsport, ensuring quality and timely supply.
- Company: Dynamic company at the forefront of automotive innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in high-performance industries.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within automotive or precision engineering, strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
We are looking for a Purchasing Manager to take ownership of all procurement across the business, covering both direct materials and indirect goods and services. You will support three very different business streams: Race where lead times are short and deadlines are immovable, OE with long development cycles and strict customer quality requirements, and Upgrade Kits where cost, availability and stock planning drive commercial success. You will build a supply base that is flexible enough to cope with small batch quantities and urgent requests, yet robust enough to meet the quality standards of premium automotive and top-level motorsport.
The Role
- Develop and deliver the purchasing strategy for direct materials and components (discs, friction materials, caliper castings and forgings, machined parts, seals, fasteners, packaging) and indirect spend.
- Source, qualify and manage suppliers, including audits/performance reviews whilst maintaining and building effective relationships.
- Support OE programmes from quotation through to launch and series supply, including PPAP/ISIR documentation, customer supplier-approval requirements and ongoing change control.
- Secure fast, reliable supply for Formula 1 requirements, managing urgent orders without compromising traceability or compliance.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing and long-term agreements suited to low-volume manufacturing, including tooling and capacity commitments.
- Work with engineering, quality, production planning and finance to support new product introduction, cost reduction and budget targets.
- Monitor raw material markets, supplier financial health and supply risks, and put contingency plans in place, including dual sourcing where appropriate.
- Lead and develop the purchasing team, setting clear objectives and encouraging a culture of accountability and improvement.
- Ensure compliance with export control, sanctions and trade regulations, and with IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 quality requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems and VA/VE.
- Support global supply chain initiatives such as environmental, social and governance goals as mandated by corporate.
What We Want From You
- Significant purchasing or supply chain experience in automotive, motorsport, aerospace or another precision engineering environment backed by a degree in a relevant discipline.
- Experience sourcing and managing technical suppliers for low-volume, high-mix production.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements.
- Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and supplier approval processes.
- Experience leading or developing a team.
- Strong commercial, analytical and financial skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence and technical credibility to work with engineers and suppliers.
- Commercially focused, resilient and comfortable making evidence-based decisions.
- Collaborative, accountable and committed to high standards of integrity and customer service.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or similar).
- Experience in brake systems, friction materials, machined components or castings and forgings.
- MCIPS or a similar professional qualification.
- Experience with international logistics, customs and export regulations.
Purchasing Manager in Coventry employer: AP Racing Ltd
At AP Racing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of the motorsport and high-performance automotive industry. Our culture fosters energy, resilience, and ownership, providing employees with unique opportunities for growth and development while working alongside some of the most exciting names in the field. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, we ensure that our team members are supported and empowered to excel in their roles, making every day both challenging and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Coventry
✨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 AP Racing Ltd.
✨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 Purchasing Manager in Coventry
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 AP Racing Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to AP Racing Ltd. 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 AP Racing Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at AP Racing Ltd
✨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 AP Racing Ltd!
✨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 AP Racing Ltd. 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 AP Racing Ltd's culture.
