At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for sourcing vehicles and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Autotrader, the UK's trusted automotive marketplace and tech innovator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive medical cover.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and opportunities to attend industry events.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vehicle sourcing while working in a vibrant, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within the automotive industry and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
About Autotrader
You've probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we're all about? We're the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK. A heritage brand and a tech innovator. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we're best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e‑bikes to caravans. In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car‑buying journey very seriously. At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.
About The Role
Our Procurement team within our Leasing community are looking for a Procurement Manager to join the business. This role plays a vital part in shaping and delivering a strategic approach to sourcing cars, vans, and pickups, while supporting sales targets, commercial performance and day‑to‑day operational efficiency. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Procurement Director and another Procurement Manager, along with wider internal teams, to keep procurement activity moving at pace, with clear communication and strong commercial focus. You’ll lead sourcing, contracting, and transactional purchasing activity, manage relationships with dealers, manufacturers and suppliers, and negotiate favourable terms that support value, margin improvement and risk management. You’ll also help ensure that procurement activities align with business objectives, contractual requirements and operational needs. You’ll support the development and execution of procurement strategies, lead conversations with manufacturers and dealers to identify new opportunities and use market insight to inform sourcing decisions. Working with funders and internal stakeholders, you’ll help secure the right stock mix to support sales objectives, oversee contract and purchase order activity, and collaborate with pricing and fulfilment teams to maximise deal opportunities. Ensuring procurement processes remain accurate, compliant and efficient will also be a key part of your role. You’ll have the opportunity to attend manufacturer launches, industry events and fleet exhibitions to elevate Autotrader’s profile and stay ahead of market developments. These, along with other methods, will help build and grow supplier relationships through clear, credible communication, earning trust to unlock exclusive pricing opportunities and long‑term commercial value.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in procurement or commercial negotiations within the automotive industry with OEMs and finance companies, ideally with an understanding of the vehicle leasing market
- Strong commercial acumen to deliver margin improvement, generating great leasing pricing for our consumers
- Skilled relationship manager, able to work effectively with OEMs, dealers, funders and internal stakeholders
- Confident negotiator with experience managing complex, high‑value deals and securing favourable commercial outcomes
- Collaborative approach and comfortable working closely with sales, pricing and fulfilment teams to help deliver opportunities smoothly
- Confident communicator, comfortable representing Autotrader at various industry events and exhibitions with the ability to influence at all levels
- Proactive, adaptable, attention‑to‑detail‑oriented and able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic market
- Strong awareness of market trends and competitor pricing, using insight to support sourcing and procurement decisions
- Comfortable using data to inform decision‑making and identify commercial opportunities
Benefits
- Salary: £45,000–£55,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded in shares each year. These shares become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares.
- 28 days’ holiday per year, in addition to bank holidays and half‑day closures on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
- Pension scheme: 7% standard contributions, 5% employee.
- Comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, car salary sacrifice scheme, share‑save options and much more.
- 24/7 online GP and dentist access, specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more.
- Hybrid model connected working: minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team. Remote‑first periods at set times during summer and winter.
Procurement Manager in England employer: Autotrader
At Autotrader, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and innovative workplace that values diversity and collaboration. As a Procurement Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous share options, and comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and a robust pension scheme. Our hybrid working model fosters flexibility while ensuring you remain connected with your team, making Autotrader an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful career growth in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience in procurement and negotiations. Share specific examples of how you've improved margins or built strong relationships with suppliers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role at Autotrader that catches your eye, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed! Keep an eye on market trends and competitor pricing. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the industry. Plus, it gives you great talking points when networking!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Procurement:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for procurement shine through! Share specific examples of your experience in the automotive industry and how it aligns with our mission at Autotrader. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the procurement process.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your skills in negotiation and relationship management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, so be specific about your successes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Autotrader team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autotrader
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially within the automotive industry. Understand the latest trends, key players, and how the vehicle leasing market operates. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with Autotrader's goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex negotiations you've successfully managed in the past. Be ready to discuss how you secured favourable terms and improved margins. Autotrader values strong negotiators, so demonstrating your ability to navigate high-value deals will set you apart.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built and maintained relationships with OEMs, dealers, and internal stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific instances where your relationship management skills led to successful outcomes. Autotrader is all about collaboration, so showing you can work well with others is key.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with how data informs procurement decisions. Be ready to discuss how you've used market insights and competitor pricing to make strategic sourcing choices. Autotrader appreciates a proactive approach, so showcasing your analytical skills will demonstrate your fit for the role.
