At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for exciting automotive and motorsport projects, ensuring quality and value.
- Company: Join Lola Cars, a dynamic team at the forefront of automotive innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work at Silverstone with potential remote flexibility; apply now to join our team!
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cars with strategic purchasing in a thrilling environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in automotive purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and a love for motorsport.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Senior Buyer - Automotive, Supercar & Motorsport
Competitive based on experience
- Hours
Full Time - Role Type
Permanent - Start Date
Immediately vacant - Location
Silverstone (mainly onsite) - Reports to
Head of Operations
The Opportunity
Do you know the difference between a billet component and a casting? Do you understand why lead times on a motorsport gearbox can make or break a programme? Can you discuss supplier capability with an engineer and negotiate commercial terms with a managing director?
If so, we’d like to hear from you.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our growing team and take ownership of purchasing activities across exciting automotive, supercar, hypercar and motorsport programmes.
This is not a traditional procurement role. We are looking for a genuine automotive enthusiast with strong purchasing experience and a deep understanding of how vehicles are designed, engineered and manufactured. The successful candidate will understand the balance between strategic sourcing and speed of turnaround and will become a key part of the business, helping to shape our supply chain, develop supplier relationships and ultimately build a world‑class purchasing function.
You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing and programme teams to source everything from prototype and production components to specialist motorsport systems and advanced manufacturing services, while ensuring that value is maintained.
Role Responsibilities
Purchasing and Procurement
- Manage procurement activities across all assigned programmes.
- Raise and manage RFQs and purchase orders.
- Evaluate supplier quotations and make sourcing recommendations.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules and contractual terms.
- Maintain purchasing records and supplier databases.
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing processes.
- Develop strategic supplier relationships.
- Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality and delivery metrics.
- Support supplier audits and technical reviews where required.
- Resolve supply chain issues and elevate risks appropriately.
- Support engineering teams during concept, development and production phases.
- Participate in supplier selection activities.
- Ensure procurement activities align with programme timing plans.
- Support prototype and low‑volume manufacturing requirements.
- Provide supply chain input during design and project reviews.
Cost and Commercial Management
- Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
- Monitor market trends and supplier pricing.
- Support budget planning and programme cost tracking.
- Identify opportunities for commercial improvement.
Department Development
- Support development of purchasing systems and procedures.
- Assist with implementation of ERP/MRP processes.
- Develop purchasing KPIs and reporting.
- Support recruitment and development of future purchasing personnel.
Qualifications & Experience required
- Minimum 5 years’ purchasing experience within automotive, motorsport, specialist vehicle manufacturing or a related engineering environment.
- Strong understanding of vehicle systems and automotive components.
- Excellent commercial and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing suppliers and procurement programmes.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- A genuine passion for cars, motorsport and vehicle engineering.
- Experience within supercar, hypercar or motorsport organisations.
- Existing supplier network within the automotive sector.
- Experience supporting prototype and low‑volume production programmes.
- Previous leadership experience.
A Note on Passion
Whilst purchasing experience is essential, we believe the best candidates for this role will also be genuine automotive enthusiasts.
We can teach systems, processes and internal procedures. What is much harder to teach is a lifelong interest in vehicles, engineering and motorsport.
If you naturally understand what goes into building a high‑performance vehicle, enjoy visiting suppliers, attending motorsport events and talking engineering with both customers and suppliers, then you’ll thrive in this role.
Role Location & Hours
The role is likely to be based at the Silverstone, Lola Facility with the potential for some flexibility for remote working. If you are unable to commit to the location or full‑time hours but possess the relevant skills and interest in the role, please do still contact us.
Interested in the role?
Please submit your CV and a cover letter to careers@lola-cars.co.uk detailing your:
- Experience
- Interest in the role
- Salary expectations
Please send details asap for review.
Join us at Lola Cars and contribute to a growing, dynamic team.
Closing Date: 29th July 2026 (may close earlier if suitable candidate is found)
We look forward to hearing from you.
Senior Buyer - Automotive, Supercar & Motorsport in Silverstone employer: Lola Cars International.
At Lola Cars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on passion for automotive engineering and motorsport. Located at the iconic Silverstone, our team enjoys unique opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with industry experts, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects in supercar and motorsport development. We foster an environment where innovation is encouraged, and every employee's enthusiasm for vehicles is valued, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Automotive, Supercar & Motorsport in Silverstone
✨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 Lola Cars International..
✨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 Senior Buyer - Automotive, Supercar & Motorsport in Silverstone
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 Lola Cars International.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lola Cars International.. 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 Lola Cars International..
How to prepare for a job interview at Lola Cars International.
✨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 Lola Cars International.!
✨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 Lola Cars International.. 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 Lola Cars International.'s culture.
