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- Tasks: Drive procurement strategies for cutting-edge automotive technologies and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Prestigious engineering-led automotive manufacturer with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work model, 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 46200 - 63800 £ per year.
To apply & learn more please contact jobsoe@bramwithconsulting.co.uk
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 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
✨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 recent projects. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55k | Surrey
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, especially in cost management and supplier negotiations. We want to know how you've made an impact in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automotive commodities, especially in areas like electrical systems and powertrains. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed these commodities.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to share detailed stories about your negotiation experiences. Highlight how you’ve structured contracts and navigated complex commercial agreements, as this role will require you to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
✨Understand the Engineering Perspective
Since this position involves close collaboration with engineering teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of how procurement impacts engineering outcomes. Think of ways you can articulate this connection during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Analytical Questions
Expect questions that test your analytical skills, particularly around cost management and risk mitigation. Prepare to discuss your approach to conducting cost breakdown analyses and how you challenge suppliers on pricing.