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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for cutting-edge vehicle programmes and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Prestigious automotive manufacturer focused on engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work model, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-performance vehicles in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in direct procurement within automotive or engineering sectors.
- Other info: Hands-on role with significant influence on supplier performance and programme success.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
Are you a direct procurement professional ready to make a real impact on cutting-edge vehicle programmes? Here’s your chance to join a prestige, engineering-led automotive manufacturer and take ownership of critical commodity areas that shape the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
You’ll operate in a fast-paced, technically advanced, low-volume environment, influencing supplier strategy, cost performance, and programme delivery. Working closely with engineering across electrical & electronics, powertrain, chassis, interior and exterior systems, you’ll ensure suppliers deliver the quality, timing, and performance required for world-class vehicles.
What you do:
- Own and execute commodity strategies aligned to future vehicle programmes.
- Lead supplier selection, engagement, and negotiations, securing the best outcomes in cost, quality, and delivery.
- Conduct cost breakdowns, risk assessments, and supplier performance reviews, challenging assumptions and driving improvement.
- Manage end-to-end commercial agreements, from contracts to long-term supplier partnerships.
- Partner with engineering, quality, and programme teams to ensure aligned decisions and seamless delivery.
- Maintain oversight of purchasing through SAP and other systems, supporting daily project requirements.
What you bring:
- Strong experience in direct procurement or commodity buying within automotive or engineering-led environments.
- Proven ability managing technical, high-value commodities and complex supplier networks.
- Skilled in negotiation, supplier influence, and stakeholder management.
- Analytical, structured approach to cost, risk, and supplier strategy, balancing programme priorities with commercial outcomes.
- Comfortable in fast-moving, technically complex environments, where decisions directly affect high-value vehicle programmes.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your procurement expertise will directly shape supplier performance and programme success. If you’re ready to step into a role combining strategy, delivery, and influence at a senior level, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to register your interest in a confidential chat.
Senior Direct Buyer - Automotive | £55k 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 Direct Buyer - Automotive | £55k in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills. As a Senior Direct Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best outcomes. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Direct Buyer - Automotive | £55k in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Direct Buyer role. Highlight your experience in direct procurement and any specific achievements in the automotive sector. 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. Don’t forget to mention your experience with supplier negotiations and commodity strategies.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a strong analytical approach, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully conducted cost breakdowns or risk assessments in your previous roles. We love seeing those numbers and results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s make this happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the specific commodities you'll be managing. Research the latest trends in automotive procurement and be ready to discuss how you can influence supplier strategy and cost performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable outcomes. Highlight your approach to supplier engagement and how you've managed complex supplier networks to achieve the best results.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss your analytical approach to cost breakdowns and risk assessments. Prepare to explain how you've used data to drive improvements in supplier performance and decision-making.
✨Align with Engineering Teams
Understand the importance of collaboration with engineering, quality, and programme teams. Be prepared to share experiences where you partnered effectively to ensure seamless delivery and aligned decisions.
