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- Tasks: Lead direct procurement for cutting-edge vehicle programmes and shape supplier strategies.
- Company: Prestigious automotive manufacturer focused on engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £55k plus bonus, hybrid working model.
- 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 excellent opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 46200 - 63800 £ 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'll 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 such as electronics, aviation or other related manufacturing industries.
- 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 | Surrey | £55k + Bonus 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 Direct Buyer | Surrey | £55k + Bonus in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in direct procurement and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading supplier negotiations, we suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Direct Buyer | Surrey | £55k + Bonus in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your direct procurement experience and any relevant achievements in automotive or engineering-led environments. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage complex supplier networks. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Talk about how you've approached cost breakdowns or risk assessments in the past. We appreciate a structured approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our team!
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, especially in areas like electronics and powertrain. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can influence supplier strategy and performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier engagement and how you've managed to balance cost, quality, and delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to lead negotiations effectively.
✨Understand the Technical Side
Since this role involves working closely with engineering teams, brush up on technical concepts related to vehicle programmes. Being able to converse fluently about electrical systems, chassis, and other components will show that you can partner effectively with cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of situations where you've had to conduct risk assessments or manage supplier performance under pressure, and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
