Technical Buyer

We are seeking a dynamic Technical Buyer who wants to be in a fast-growing, from-the-ground-up company to purchase key components, systems and infrastructure for a Formula 1 Power Unit Manufacturer. You will be responsible for engine parts procurement including productive and non-productive materials, machinery, tooling and services. Also responsible for actively participating in the development of part & subsystem make/buy strategies, sourcing/negotiations, material budget execution, and collaboration with suppliers and internal partners such as Project Management, Finance and Manufacturing. You will support the requirements of the Design and Engineering team regarding outside services and proactively ensure timely delivery of quality parts and services within budget. This work is of a sophisticated nature involving a considerable amount of initiative, analytical work and judgment.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote teamwork and effective communications to develop working relationships between all personnel and departments.
• Follow procurement guidelines, policies and procedures, continually challenging cost, quality and lead time.
• Support the Procurement Director in ensuring individual tasks are completed in line with program requirements.
• Be able to compile agreements with external partners ready for internal submission and review within GMPPU and ensure subsequent adherence to these agreements by both parties.
• Responsible for supporting the project management of vendor supplied projects that may require cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience to foresee potential quality and delivery risks, with the knowledge to implement corrective actions.
• Possess the relevant engineering skills to be able to determine appropriate supplier selection, be able to competently understand the manufacturing process(es) and negotiate costs.
• Confidence to provide feedback to engineering on any changes which could reduce the cost and/or improve the quality of supply without negatively affecting the engineering function of the part.
• Skills to audit a vendor’s capability, capacity and sustainability and the mindset to look outside the existing motorsport community for the best solution.
• Ability to offer multiple supply options and select the optimum solution per situation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with parts vendors to obtain and purchase parts.
• Responsible for invoice queries and liaising with the finance department to ensure resolution.
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment and products.
• Ability to support Indirect procurement activities, as required.
• Follow all safety regulations in all venues.
• Other duties as assigned by the Procurement Director or their designee.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of 4-6 years’ relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
• Ability to work cross functionally, both internally and externally and form relationships.
• Experience in developing and executing sourcing process, contracts, and unique purchasing deviations/solutions.
• Ability to translate requirements from the Design Office to the Supplier for a range of commodities including composite and machined parts.
• Passion for motorsports and making the performance power unit team successful in supporting Formula 1.
• Customer focused, creative, collaborative, can-do attitude.
• Experience handling commercial issues with suppliers and assessing supplier performance.
• Demonstrated competence in negotiating skills.
• High level of analytical ability where problems can be somewhat complex.
• Experience with commodities (metals, stampings, castings, plastics, resins, paint, electronics, etc.).
• Strong professional interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Developed organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient with Microsoft office products - Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years relevant purchasing or supply chain experience.
• Formula 1 Technical Buying experience.
• Automotive and/or Energy industry experience.
• Strong technical background in either engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of procurement software.
• Knowledge of materials management.
• Capable of interpreting market data.
• Proven knowledge of contract law and its applications regarding purchasing processes.
• Knowledge of IFS for procurement and financial management.

Why Join Us

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of a next-generation Formula 1 power unit. Our culture rewards precision, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of performance.

Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.