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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 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 opportunities for strategic influence and career growth.
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’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 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
✨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 land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills in direct procurement can impact their cutting-edge vehicle programmes. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best outcomes. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those tough conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Direct Buyer | Surrey | £55k + Bonus
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 relevant achievements in the automotive or engineering sectors. 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 specific examples of your negotiation and supplier management skills.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of analytical work, make sure to highlight your structured approach to cost breakdowns and risk assessments. We love seeing candidates who can balance technical details with commercial outcomes!
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 journey together!
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 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 complex supplier networks. This will demonstrate your ability to drive improvement and achieve the best results.
✨Understand the Technical Side
Brush up on the technical aspects of the vehicle programmes you'll be involved with. Familiarise yourself with the engineering processes related to chassis, interior, and exterior systems. This knowledge will allow you to partner effectively with engineering teams and ensure seamless delivery.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical and structured approach to cost and risk management. Think of situations where you've had to balance programme priorities with commercial outcomes, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and decision-making.
