At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for cutting-edge electrical systems in supercars.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in procurement with experience in technical commodities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Remember to check your CV before applying. Also, ensure you read through all the requirements related to this role.
Ref #: 59307
Date posted: Friday, July 24, 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Woking
Business area: Procurement
Department: Commodity Procurement
Position level: 5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-16)
Working time: Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
What to Expect
The most innovative electrical and electronic technologies in the world's most exciting supercars. Reporting to the Electrical Systems and Controls Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for defining and executing the sourcing strategy, commercial management and supplier performance for a portfolio of Electrical Systems & Controls commodities. You will become the commercial subject matter expert for your commodity portfolio, working closely with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Manufacturing and suppliers to deliver best-in-class technology, cost, quality, timing and risk outcomes across current and future vehicle programmes.
Commodity portfolios you may manage include:
- Control Units & ECUs
- Sensors
- Switches
- Displays & HUD
- ADAS Hardware
- LV & HV Harnesses
- Connectivity Hardware
- Antennas
- Electrical Distribution Systems
- Power Electronics & Vehicle Control Systems
What You'll Do
- Own the end-to-end commodity strategy for your portfolio from concept through sourcing, industrialisation, launch, production and service support.
- Lead sourcing activities across new vehicle programmes including market analysis, supplier selection, RFQ management, commercial negotiations, nomination preparation and contract execution.
- Develop and execute commodity strategies that optimise cost, technology, quality, supply continuity and supplier capability while supporting business objectives and future product plans.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, driving improvements in quality, delivery, cost competitiveness, capacity and technical capability.
- Take ownership of total lifecycle cost management, including piece price, tooling, D&D, logistics, warranty risk and future cost reduction opportunities.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including capacity constraints, single-source exposure, financial risk, geopolitical risks and technology obsolescence.
- Partner with Engineering teams to influence technical solutions, challenge specifications, promote standardisation and support Design-to-Cost initiatives.
- Lead commercial negotiations for supplier nominations, cost reductions, engineering changes, claims and long-term agreements.
- Provide executive-level recommendations and present sourcing decisions, risks and business cases to senior leadership and sourcing governance forums.
- Support continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools and operating models, contributing to the development of a world-class Electrical Systems & Controls procurement function.
What You'll Bring
- Significant procurement experience (typically 5-10 years) within automotive, aerospace, motorsport, electronics.
- Proven experience managing technical commodities and suppliers within a product development environment.
- Strong commercial negotiator with experience covering sourcing strategy, supplier selection, contract management and cost optimisation.
- Experience managing complex electrical, electronic or electromechanical components such as ECUs, sensors, harnesses, displays, connectivity devices or control systems.
- Strong understanding of product development and vehicle programme timing requirements.
- Able to understand engineering requirements and challenge costs, specifications and supplier proposals constructively.
- Demonstrable experience delivering cost savings, value engineering and supply chain risk mitigation.
- Comfortable presenting recommendations and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the business.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret BOMs, cost models, supplier quotations and business cases.
- Collaborative team player capable of building strong relationships across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance and Suppliers.
- Highly organised with strong ownership and accountability for delivering sourcing milestones and programme objectives.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities and competing business demands.
- Curious, resilient and driven to challenge conventional thinking and deliver better outcomes.
- Own sourcing readiness and programme for all assigned parts, ensuring RFQs, nominations, contracts, supplier readiness and launch activities are delivered in line with programme milestones.
- Develop and maintain forward-looking commodity strategies covering technology roadmaps, supplier capability, cost competitiveness and risk mitigation.
- Act as the single accountable owner for assigned commodities across all vehicle programmes.
What We'll Do for You
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
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.
Senior Buyer - Electrical Systems & Controls in Kingfield employer: McLaren Group
McLaren Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment in Woking, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide structured career development, generous benefits including enhanced pension schemes and flexible lifestyle options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion that fosters a supportive culture. Join our high-performing team and be part of a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Electrical Systems & Controls in Kingfield
✨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 McLaren Group.
✨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 - Electrical Systems & Controls in Kingfield
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 McLaren Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to McLaren Group. 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 McLaren Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Group
✨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 McLaren Group!
✨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 McLaren Group. 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 McLaren Group's culture.
