Commodity Buyers - Automotive

Commodity Buyers - Automotive

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sourcing and supplier selection in a fast-paced automotive environment.
  • Company: Join an innovative engineering and manufacturing business with a tech-driven culture.
  • Benefits: Attractive salary, competitive pension, 25 days holiday, and hybrid working.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential permanent position after 2 years.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced electrical powertrain and body & trim systems.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Commodity Buyers x3 required for Electrical Powertrain and also x2 in Body & Trim. Locations: Surrey or Oxfordshire. Hybrid Working: 3 days onsite and 2 days remote. 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 Electrical Powertrain and Body & 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 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 Powertrain x2
  • Body & Trim

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 Powertrain or Body & Trim procurement 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 +

Commodity Buyers - Automotive employer: Gerrell & Hard

Join a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact cutting-edge automotive projects. Experience a supportive culture that encourages teamwork and continuous development, making it an ideal place for passionate Commodity Buyers to advance their careers.

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Contact Details:

Gerrell & Hard Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commodity Buyers - Automotive

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry, especially those in procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their approach to sourcing and supplier management, especially in Electrical Powertrain and Body & Trim. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be leading supplier negotiations, being able to demonstrate your ability to drive cost reduction and manage supplier relationships will be key during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Buyers - Automotive

Sourcing Strategy
Supplier Performance Management
Cost Optimisation
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Risk Analysis
Total Cost of Ownership Evaluations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commodity Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in Electrical Powertrain or Body & Trim. 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 you can contribute to our innovative team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in supplier negotiations and cost analysis. We’re keen on seeing how you've driven cost reductions in past roles!

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’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard

Know Your Commodities

Make sure you brush up on the specifics of Electrical Powertrain and Body & Trim procurement. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and technologies in these areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight how you achieved cost reductions or improved supplier relationships. Being able to articulate your approach to negotiations will demonstrate your confidence and capability in this key responsibility.

Build Relationships

Emphasise your ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Think of specific instances where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced, technology-led environment.

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 a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.