At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and management of manufacturing suppliers for cutting-edge equipment.
- Company: Dynamic automotive company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, enhanced pension, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid work model and structured career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team that drives technological advancements and shapes the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in automotive or complex manufacturing with strong sourcing and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Location: Woking or Bicester
Salary: £45,000 - £49,000
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 3 days remote home working)
The Role: We are currently recruiting for an Indirect Buyer to own the end-to-end sourcing and commercial management of manufacturing CAPEX suppliers, including automation cells, tooling, machinery and test equipment. Working across Procurement, Engineering, SQA/Quality and Manufacturing, you will translate manufacturing requirements into commercially sound, executable supplier solutions, while managing supplier relationships, performance and risk throughout the equipment lifecycle. You will be supported by a Senior Category Lead for onboarding, mentoring and first-point escalation.
Key Responsibilities:
- CAPEX Sourcing & Delivery: Lead RFx activity for CAPEX, including specification alignment, bid packs, Q&A and clarifications. Complete commercial and technical bid analysis and support supplier nomination. Execute contracts and purchase orders, including milestone validation, change-order control, invoice approval and asset tagging. Maintain close alignment with programme milestones and factory readiness. Support ramp-up and SOP industrialisation activities with Manufacturing.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Act as the commercial owner for strategic line-builders and equipment suppliers. Run structured performance reviews, scorecards and risk mapping. Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement. Build senior-level supplier relationships to secure technology access, capacity and competitive commercial positions.
- Contracting & Commercial Governance: Negotiate pricing, payment milestones/terms, warranty, service levels and liquidated damages where applicable. Manage change orders throughout the project lifecycle. Monitor supplier capacity reservations and price validity windows. Escalate early where legal or commercial frameworks need adapting. Support e-bidding and digital sourcing where appropriate.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work across Procurement, Engineering, SQA and Manufacturing to establish robust technical scopes and quality plans. Support APQP/PPAP where relevant to equipment sign-off. Partner with Finance on CAPEX budgeting, NPV/TCO and cash-flow phasing. Keep stakeholders informed through agreed RASIC/role boundaries.
What You'll Bring:
- 4+ years' experience in automotive or complex manufacturing, with demonstrable CAPEX sourcing and contract execution across tooling, machinery, automation or test rigs.
- Strong understanding of RFx processes, bid analysis and negotiation of high-value equipment contracts.
- Experience covering pricing, milestones, warranty/after-sales and governance through to asset tagging and acceptance.
- Understanding of manufacturing readiness, SOP ramp-up and APQP/PPAP/quality gates where applicable.
- Experience managing supplier scorecards, risk mapping, recovery plans and continuous improvement.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level and navigate complex programmes.
Benefits:
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays, with annual buy & sell of up to five days
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus award
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- Life assurance benefit
- Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after two years' service
- Lifestyle benefits, including discounted shopping
- Generous parental leave policies
- Wellbeing initiatives, including employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Indirect Buyers employer: Gerrell & Hard
Gerrell & Hard is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the automotive and motorsport sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, we provide our team with the tools and support needed to excel in their roles. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment that values innovation and robust commercial outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyers
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Gerrell & Hard.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Buyers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Gerrell & Hard:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gerrell & Hard. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Gerrell & Hard.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Gerrell & Hard!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Gerrell & Hard. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Gerrell & Hard's culture.
