At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and supplier selection for electrical and powertrain components.
- Company: Innovative engineering and manufacturing business with a tech-driven approach.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential permanent position after 2 years.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make an impact on cutting-edge engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commodity buying; degree in Business or Engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Surrey or Oxfordshire | Hybrid Working
2-Year FTC (potential to convert to permanent)
Attractive Salary & Benefits
We are supporting a highly innovative engineering and manufacturing business in the search for multiple Commodity Buyers to join their procurement team. These roles sit within a fast-paced, technology-led environment, offering the opportunity to work across advanced electrical and powertrain systems. You will play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimisation across critical engineering programmes.
The Opportunity
Reporting into Procurement leadership, you will take ownership of sourcing and supplier strategy within a defined commodity area. Current requirements include:
- Electrical (x2)
- Powertrain (x1)
You will work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure the business secures the right suppliers, at the right cost and quality, supporting programmes from concept through to production.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead sourcing and supplier selection across assigned commodity areas
- Negotiate and implement supplier contracts
- Drive cost reduction and mitigate supplier cost increases
- Develop and deliver commodity strategies in collaboration with Engineering and Quality
- Conduct supplier assessments and provide sourcing recommendations
- Ensure suppliers meet programme targets across cost, quality, and delivery
- Act as the key interface for supplier relationship management (SRM)
- Support risk analysis and total cost of ownership evaluations
About You
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, or commodity buying within a manufacturing environment
- Exposure to electrical or powertrain categories is advantageous
- Confident supporting or leading supplier negotiations
- Strong commercial awareness and cost analysis capability
- Able to build effective relationships across suppliers and internal teams
- Degree qualified (Business, Engineering or similar) and/or working towards MCIPS (desirable)
Working Pattern
Hybrid working: 3 days per week on-site
Benefits
- Competitive pension scheme (increasing with service)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Private medical insurance (single cover)
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- 40-hour working week
Commodity Buyers (Electrical & Powertrain) employer: Gerrell & Hard
Contact Detail:
Gerrell & Hard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Buyers (Electrical & Powertrain)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. 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 procurement strategies. We suggest you come armed with questions that show your interest in their electrical and powertrain systems. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves supplier negotiations, we recommend role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your strategies effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to take on the challenges in procurement, especially in the exciting fields of electrical and powertrain.
We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Buyers (Electrical & Powertrain)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commodity Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in electrical or powertrain categories. We want to see how your skills match 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 a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with supplier negotiations and cost optimisation.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you save costs or improve supplier performance? Quantify your successes to give us a clear picture of your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Commodities
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of electrical and powertrain systems. Understand the latest trends and challenges in these areas, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be involved in supplier negotiations, prepare by reviewing common negotiation tactics and strategies. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've built effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Prepare specific examples that highlight your communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to procurement processes and cost analysis. Brush up on key concepts and be prepared to discuss how you would approach sourcing strategies and supplier assessments.