At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate supplier contracts and collaborate with teams to drive cost efficiency.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team in the thrilling world of motorsport.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Engineering; previous purchasing experience preferred.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The McLaren Automotive Purchasing Department is an exciting yet demanding, fast paced and commercially driven environment. We are currently recruiting for a buyer within the motorsport procurement function. The successful candidate will be working as part of a high performing and agile team, with direct report into the Purchasing Manager. Cross functional engagement with our Engineering, Quality, Production and Legal Teams is vital for successful delivery and performance.
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Commodity Buyer is responsible for negotiating and completing supplier contracts within assigned commodity groups for our motorsport function, ensuring McLaren leverages the best technology, cost, and quality for the future of the company.
What You'll Do
- 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.
- Motorsport Experience.
What We'll Do for You
- 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.
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. 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 - Motorsport in Woking employer: McLaren Automotive Ltd
Contact Detail:
McLaren Automotive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Motorsport in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the motorsport industry, especially those at McLaren. Attend events, join online forums, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching McLaren's recent projects and innovations. Show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the company’s mission. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their goals in motorsport procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the McLaren team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Motorsport in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer - Motorsport role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, especially in automotive or motorsport environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about motorsport and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working at McLaren Automotive.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiating supplier contracts is key for this role, be sure to include examples of your negotiation successes in your application. We love seeing how you’ve driven cost-down activities or mitigated risks in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 our amazing team!
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. Understand their market trends, key suppliers, and any recent developments in the motorsport industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your past experiences with contract negotiations. Have specific examples ready where you successfully mitigated costs or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role and your readiness to contribute to the team.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Highlight your experience working with different departments like Engineering and Quality. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in the past to achieve common goals. This shows that you understand the importance of teamwork in a fast-paced environment like McLaren.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like cost breakdown analysis. This will help you influence at senior management levels, which is key for a Commodity Buyer.