At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and management of manufacturing suppliers for cutting-edge automotive projects.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a structured career development framework.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that pushes boundaries in automotive innovation.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in automotive procurement or complex manufacturing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an Indirect Buyer to be based at our site in Woking, Surrey & Bicester Oxfordshire. You will own the end‑to‑end sourcing and commercial management of manufacturing CAPEX suppliers — including automation cells, tooling, machinery and test equipment — so that industrialisation for McLaren programmes lands on cost, on time, and to quality, while embedding robust supplier relationship management and risk control throughout the equipment lifecycle.
Operate in a cross-functional environment (Procurement, Engineering, SQA/Quality, Manufacturing) to translate manufacturing needs into commercially sound, executable supplier solutions. Supported by Senior Category Lead for onboarding, mentoring & first point of contact prior escalation. The Buyer will be the focal point for supplier relationship management, ensuring performance, governance, and commercial alignment throughout the equipment lifecycle.
What You'll Do
- CAPEX Sourcing & Delivery: Lead RFx for CAPEX (specification alignment, bid packs, Q&A, clarifications), complete commercial/technical bid analysis, and steer supplier nomination. Execute contracts and purchase orders in line with McLaren CAPEX governance, including milestone validation, change‑order control, invoice approval, and asset tagging for McLaren‑owned equipment. Maintain tight linkage to programme milestones and factory readiness; support ramp‑up/SOP industrialisation activities with Manufacturing.
- Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Be the commercial owner for strategic line‑builders/equipment suppliers; run structured performance reviews, scorecards, and risk mapping; drive corrective actions and continuous improvement. Build senior‑level relationships that secure technology access, capacity, and competitive commercial positions (including re‑tenders or rebalancing when needed).
- Contracting & Commercial Governance: Negotiate commercial terms (pricing, payment milestones/terms, warranty, service levels, liquidated damages where applicable) and manage change orders over the project life. Protect the commercial baseline by monitoring supplier capacity reservations and price validity windows; escalate early if the legal/commercial framework needs adaptation to keep terms whole. Support e‑bidding/digital sourcing where appropriate to enhance competitiveness and auditability.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Operate in the McLaren Cross functional environment (Procurement–Engineering–SQA-Manufacturing..) to land robust technical scopes and quality plans (APQP/PPAP where relevant to equipment sign‑off). Partner with Finance on CAPEX budgeting, NPV/TCO and cash‑flow phasing; keep stakeholders informed via agreed RASIC/role boundaries.
What You'll Bring
- Automotive Procurement experience preferred or strong Manufacturing understanding: 4+ years in automotive or complex manufacturing, with demonstrable CAPEX sourcing and contract execution (tooling, machinery, automation, test rigs).
- Commercial & contractual: Familiar with RFx process, bid analysis, negotiation of high‑value equipment contracts (pricing, milestones, warranty/after‑sales), and governance through to asset tagging/acceptance.
- Industrialisation know‑how: Understanding of manufacturing readiness, SOP ramp‑up, and interfaces to APQP/PPAP/quality gates where applicable.
- SRM & risk: Running supplier scorecards, risk mapping, recovery plans, and continuous improvement forums with line‑builders/equipment OEMs.
- Stakeholder influence: Clear written/verbal communication with the ability to influence at senior level and navigate complex 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.
Indirect Buyer in Surrey employer: McLaren Group
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. Our Composite Laminating Shift Lead role not only provides competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also allows you to be part of a prestigious brand known for its commitment to high-performance and safety. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you'll collaborate with talented professionals dedicated to excellence, making every day at McLaren a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer in Surrey
✨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 Indirect Buyer in Surrey
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.
