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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 required.
- 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 | Surrey in London 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 | Surrey in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves complex commercial agreements, practice articulating your strategies and past successes in supplier negotiations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed cost claims and conducted detailed cost breakdown analyses in previous roles. This will demonstrate your structured approach to procurement and risk management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55k | Surrey in London
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! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've influenced supplier strategy or improved cost performance in previous roles. We appreciate a results-driven mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 nuances of electrical systems, powertrains, and chassis components. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can influence supplier strategy and cost performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed complex commercial agreements. Be ready to discuss your approach to structuring contracts and how you balanced cost, risk, and performance. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Align with Engineering Teams
Highlight your experience working closely with engineering teams. Discuss how you've collaborated to deliver next-generation technologies and how you can act as a key interface between procurement, engineering, and quality. This shows that you understand the importance of cross-functional teamwork.
✨Analytical Approach to Cost Management
Be prepared to talk about your structured, analytical approach to cost management and risk mitigation. Bring examples of how you've conducted detailed cost breakdown analyses and challenged suppliers effectively. This will showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
