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- Tasks: Negotiate supplier contracts and develop sourcing strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that rethinks boundaries and drives innovation in automotive technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Engineering preferred; purchasing experience in manufacturing is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The McLaren Automotive Purchasing Department is an exciting yet demanding, fast-paced and commercially driven environment. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Commodity Buyer is responsible for negotiating and completing supplier contracts within assigned commodity groups (Electric Powertrain, Electrical, Chassis, Exterior, Interior, Powertrain, Body in White and Carbon). The role involves leading sourcing activities and developing supplier strategies in collaboration with Engineering and Supplier Quality, ensuring McLaren leverages the best technology, cost, and quality for the future of the company.
Please note these roles are 24 month fixed term contract roles.
Current roles:
- 2x BIW & Chassis
- 3x Body Exterior
- 3x Powertrain ICE
- 4x Electrical Software & Controls
The Commodity Buyer is accountable for the following key activities:
- Negotiate and finalize production supplier contracts for assigned commodities.
- Mitigate cost increases and drive cost-down activities within scope.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to develop and deploy sourcing strategies.
- Conduct supplier assessments and coordinate sourcing recommendations.
- Ensure suppliers meet program targets for timing, cost, quality, and technical attributes.
- Serve as the focal point for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities with suppliers and internal customers.
- Support risk assessment, total acquisition cost analysis, and cross-functional alignment on technical and quality criteria.
What You'll Bring:
- Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; MCIPS qualification desirable.
- Previous purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive preferred).
- Solid experience in procurement or commodity buying.
- Experience in developing structured commodity strategies, including risk and cost assessments.
- Some experience negotiating complex contracts.
- Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to influence at senior management level.
- Good understanding of cost breakdown analysis.
Personal Attributes / Competencies:
- Analytical mindset and attention to detail.
- Ability to build strong supplier relationships.
- Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams.
- Eagerness to learn and develop within the procurement function.
We offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell 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 only two years’ service
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- Generous parental leave policies
- A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars. It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.
Buyer in Bicester employer: McLaren Automotive Ltd
Contact Detail:
McLaren Automotive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the automotive industry, especially those who work at McLaren or similar companies. Attend industry events and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching McLaren's values and recent projects. Show us that you understand their mission and how your skills as a Commodity Buyer can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves negotiating supplier contracts, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will help you feel more confident when discussing terms during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the McLaren team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your previous purchasing experience, especially in a manufacturing or automotive environment. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to McLaren's goals. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiating supplier contracts is a key part of the job, make sure to include examples of your negotiation successes in your application. We want to know how you've tackled complex contracts in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the McLaren family!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Automotive Ltd
✨Know Your Commodities
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific commodities you'll be handling, like Electric Powertrain or Chassis. Understanding the nuances of these areas will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Prepare for potential negotiation scenarios you might face as a Commodity Buyer. Think about past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts and be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability in a key aspect of the job.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires a strong analytical mindset, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in procurement. Whether it's cost breakdown analysis or risk assessments, having concrete examples will highlight your expertise.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong supplier relationships during the interview. Share stories of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or managed supplier relationships effectively. This will resonate well with the company's focus on teamwork and collaboration.