At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading luxury automotive brand focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and enjoy a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance and contribute to world-class vehicle production.
- Qualifications: Interest in procurement and supply chain; previous experience is a plus.
We are looking for a Junior Buyer – Indirect to support the delivery of an efficient, commercially focused procurement service across the business. Working as part of our Procurement team, you will play an important role in sourcing business services and managing indirect spend across a wide range of categories including IT, Facilities, HR, plant, stationery and other operational support services.
Working closely with the Indirect Senior Buyers and key stakeholders across the organisation, you will support procurement activities from supplier engagement and sourcing through to reporting, contract administration and purchasing processes. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career within a fast-paced, world-class manufacturing environment while helping to deliver value, efficiency and exceptional supplier performance.
The Role
You will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day procurement of indirect goods and services, ensuring purchasing activities are completed efficiently, compliantly and in line with business objectives. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the business, you will help maintain strong supplier relationships, support procurement initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement across the Purchasing function.
This is your chance to:
- Support the management of an effective supplier base that delivers quality, value and service across indirect spend categories.
- Assist the Indirect Senior Buyers in developing and delivering category strategies that align with business objectives.
- Support operational procurement activities across a wide range of business support functions including IT, Facilities, HR, plant equipment, stationery and professional services.
- Build positive working relationships with internal stakeholders, providing procurement support and promoting best purchasing practices across the business.
- Assist with supplier relationship management activities, including supplier performance reviews and development initiatives.
- Support commercial assessments of potential suppliers, helping identify opportunities to improve value, quality and service.
- Assist with quotations, RFQs, tender documentation and proposal costings, ensuring procurement activities are completed accurately and on time.
- Prepare and issue procurement documentation while ensuring compliance with company procedures and governance requirements.
- Support supplier negotiations and commercial discussions under the guidance of senior procurement colleagues.
- Create, maintain and update procurement information and purchasing parameters within the ERP system.
- Produce weekly procurement reports, KPI updates and departmental reporting to support business decision-making.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal departments to ensure procurement requirements are delivered effectively and efficiently.
- Support the evaluation of new suppliers, technologies, products and services from a procurement perspective.
- Manage lower-value procurement activities while developing commercial knowledge and purchasing expertise.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company procurement policies, procedures and governance standards.
- Contribute to the day-to-day operation of the Purchasing Department while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work towards agreed objectives, participating in regular performance reviews and development activities to build your procurement career.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
You'll be an organised, commercially aware and proactive individual who enjoys building relationships and delivering excellent customer service. You'll have a keen interest in procurement and supply chain, enjoy working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, and be eager to develop your commercial knowledge within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Certificate of Higher Education in Purchasing, Business Studies, Supply Chain or equivalent experience is desirable.
- Previous experience within purchasing, procurement, supply chain or a related commercial environment is desirable.
- Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment would be advantageous.
- Basic understanding of procurement processes, purchasing activities and supplier management.
- Some experience supporting supplier negotiations and commercial discussions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret information and support commercial decision-making.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with experience using ERP systems considered beneficial.
- A proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach with a willingness to learn and continuously develop.
- Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and contribute positively to business objectives.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- A positive team player with a strong work ethic and passion for delivering value through effective procurement.
Why This Role Matters
This is an opportunity to become an important part of the team that helps keep Gordon Murray Automotive operating efficiently behind the scenes. As a Junior Buyer – Indirect, you will contribute to the procurement of the products and services that enable every area of the business to perform at its best, supporting the delivery of world‑class vehicles through effective supplier partnerships and commercial excellence.
From supporting sourcing activities and supplier relationships to helping deliver procurement projects and driving continuous improvement, your work will have a direct impact on operational performance, cost efficiency and the continued success of the business.
If you're looking to build a career in procurement, enjoy working with people, and want to develop your commercial skills within one of the world's most exciting luxury automotive brands, we would love to hear from you.
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Junior Buyer - Indirect employer: Gordon Murray
At Gordon Murray Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Windlesham where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, private medical schemes, and enhanced pension plans, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a real impact in the world of high-performance engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer - Indirect
✨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 Gordon Murray.
✨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 Junior Buyer - Indirect
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 Gordon Murray:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gordon Murray. 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 Gordon Murray.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordon Murray
✨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 Gordon Murray!
✨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 Gordon Murray. 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 Gordon Murray's culture.