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.
Supplier Management
- 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.
Programme Support
- 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.
Desirable
- 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 likely 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.
Senior Buyer - Automotive, Supercar & Motorsport in Silverstone employer: Lola Cars
Lola Cars is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK's automotive industry. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth while working on cutting-edge projects in supercars and motorsport. The company fosters a culture of teamwork and excellence, ensuring that every team member's contributions are valued and recognised.
