At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and supplier selection for electrical powertrain and body trim commodities.
- Company: Innovative engineering and manufacturing business with a tech-driven approach.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, competitive pension, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make an impact on cutting-edge engineering programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re supporting a highly innovative engineering and manufacturing business in the search for multiple Commodity Buyers to join their electrical or body and trim procurement teams. These roles sit within a fast-paced, technology-led environment, offering the opportunity to work across advanced electrical and powertrain systems. You’ll play a key role in sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimisation across critical engineering programmes.
The Opportunity
Reporting into Procurement leadership, you’ll take ownership of sourcing and supplier strategy within a defined commodity area. Current requirements include:
- Electrical (x2) - You’ll 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 powertrain or body and trim categories
- 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
- Hybrid 3 days in the office and (just one Monday and one Friday WFH per month)
Commodity Buyers in Bicester employer: Gerrell & Hard
Join a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business that prioritises innovation and employee development. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including a robust pension scheme and private medical insurance, this company fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions to sourcing strategies and supplier management will be valued. Located in Surrey or Oxfordshire, you'll have the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Buyers in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commodity Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨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 Commodity Buyers in Bicester
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 specific exposure to electrical powertrain or body and trim categories. 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 a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your negotiation skills and commercial awareness, as these are key for us.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to sourcing strategies and supplier management. We love seeing examples of how you've driven cost reductions or improved supplier performance in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Commodities
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of electrical powertrain and body and trim commodities. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and technologies in these areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight your strategies for achieving cost reductions and managing supplier relationships. Being able to discuss real-life scenarios will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling supplier contracts.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build effective relationships with both suppliers and internal teams. Think of specific instances where you successfully collaborated with engineering or quality teams. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in procurement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's sourcing strategies and how they measure supplier performance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into their operations. It’s a great way to demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
