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- Tasks: Drive supplier strategy and manage procurement for cutting-edge automotive technologies.
- Company: Prestigious engineering-led automotive manufacturer with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping the future of automotive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive procurement and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on high-performance vehicle programmes.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 66000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially astute procurement professional with experience across direct automotive commodities? This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact, permanent role where you will influence supplier strategy, cost performance and programme delivery for a prestige, engineering-led automotive manufacturer entering an exciting phase of growth through 2026 and beyond.
Operating within a high-performance, low-volume environment, this role offers exposure to complex, technically advanced vehicle programmes where procurement plays a genuine role in shaping outcomes. You will support critical commodity areas such as electrical & electronics, powertrain, chassis, interior and exterior systems, working closely with engineering teams to enable the delivery of next-generation automotive technologies.
What You’ll Deliver:
- Developing, owning and executing robust commodity strategies aligned to future vehicle programmes.
- Managing cost claims, completing detailed cost breakdown analysis, and confidently challenging suppliers.
- Leading sourcing activity, supplier engagement and selection within your assigned commodity scope.
- Running end-to-end commercial negotiations, including pricing, terms and long-term agreements.
- Structuring contracts to balance cost, risk and performance across the supply base.
- Supporting day-to-day purchasing operations through SAP and associated procurement systems.
- Driving supplier performance to meet demanding targets for cost, quality and programme timing.
- Acting as a key interface between Procurement, Engineering and Quality to ensure aligned decision-making.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong experience in direct procurement or commodity buying within automotive or engineering-led manufacturing environments (aerospace, rail or advanced engineering also considered).
- Proven exposure to managing technical, high-value commodities.
- Confidence operating in a fast-paced, engineering-centric organisation where priorities evolve quickly.
- Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and influencing senior stakeholders.
- A structured, analytical approach to cost management, risk mitigation and supplier strategy.
If you’re a strategic yet delivery-focused commodity specialist who enjoys working close to engineering and wants to play a meaningful role in future vehicle programmes, this opportunity will be of strong interest.
Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55k | West Midlands in Birmingham employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55k | West Midlands in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to automotive procurement. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like electrical systems and supplier strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed complex agreements in the past. This is key for a Senior Buyer role, and we want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talent that fits our dynamic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55k | West Midlands in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in direct procurement and any specific automotive commodities you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the automotive industry.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, like cost savings or successful negotiations. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you brush up on the specific automotive commodities mentioned in the job description. Understand the latest trends and technologies in electrical, electronics, and powertrain systems. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since the role involves complex commercial negotiations, practice how you would approach these discussions. Think about past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms and be ready to share those stories. Highlight your analytical skills and how you manage cost claims.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with engineering teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with different departments in previous roles. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to align procurement strategies with engineering needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company's future vehicle programmes or how they measure supplier performance. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking regarding the role.
