At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate deals in the automotive industry.
- Company: Join Autotrader, the UK's trusted automotive marketplace with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for remote work and industry events.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on performance while working with top industry players.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills in the automotive sector.
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. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take ownership of a commercially focused procurement role and make a direct impact on performance across the business.
What we're looking for
- You will have proven experience in procurement or commercial negotiations within the Automotive industry with OEM's and finance companies, ideally with an understanding of the vehicle leasing market.
- Demonstrate 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.
- You will be a confident negotiator with experience managing complex, high-value deals and securing favourable commercial outcomes.
- Have a collaborative approach and be comfortable working closely with sales, pricing, and fulfilment teams to help deliver opportunities smoothly.
- You’ll be a confident communicator, comfortable representing Autotrader at various industry events and exhibitions with the ability to influence at all levels.
- You’ll be proactive, adaptable, attention detail-oriented and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic market.
- Have strong awareness of market trends and competitor pricing, using insight to support sourcing and procurement decisions.
- You’ll be comfortable using data to inform decision-making and identify commercial opportunities.
During our application process, you will be asked two questions to help us learn more about you and how you align with our values. These will be used as part of our selection criteria to determine if we progress your application further.
Benefits
We’re offering a salary of £45,000–£55,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded in shares each year. These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares. You'll have 28 days' holiday per year, and that's in addition to bank holidays and half-day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve. That’s not all. You'll be enrolled in our pension scheme, where our standard contributions are 7% and employee contributions are 5%. We also have comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share-save options, and much more.
We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to 24/7 online GP and dentist, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more.
On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working. You'll spend a minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team, focused on collaboration and connection. Additionally, we have our remote-first periods at set times during summer and winter. During these periods, you can work remotely anywhere in the UK and from certain locations abroad.
Procurement Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: Autotrader
Autotrader is an exceptional employer that prioritises people and fosters a vibrant, inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and a robust pension scheme. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility while ensuring collaboration, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and meaningful contributions in the dynamic automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 someone from Autotrader or any other company, make sure to highlight your experience in procurement and negotiations. Share specific examples of how you've improved margins or built strong supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role 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 the crowd.
✨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 understanding the industry. Plus, it gives you great talking points when networking!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Procurement:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for procurement shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our values and the role. Share specific examples of your past successes in procurement, especially in the automotive industry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your skills in negotiation and relationship management, and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Prepare for the Questions:Remember, we’ll ask you two questions to get to know you better. Think about how your experiences reflect our values and be ready to share those insights. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond your CV!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autotrader
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement and leasing in the automotive industry. Be ready to discuss how you've improved margins or negotiated favourable terms in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role involves managing relationships with dealers, manufacturers, and internal teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained these relationships. Highlight your communication style and how it has helped you influence stakeholders.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Autotrader values market insight. Research current trends in the automotive sector, especially around vehicle leasing. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact sourcing decisions and what strategies you would implement to stay competitive.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about complex deals you've managed and be ready to explain your thought process, negotiation tactics, and the outcomes. This will show your ability to handle high-value transactions effectively.
