At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier sourcing and negotiate contracts for cutting-edge automotive technology.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Engineering; experience in procurement preferred.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Job Title
Senior Buyer - Engines
Ref #
59344
Date posted
Monday, August 3, 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
Reporting to the Procurement Manager the Senior Commodity Buyer sets the strategic direction for supplier sourcing within their commodity area - Engines, ensuring Mc Laren accesses the best technology at the lowest achievable total cost while minimizing risk.
The role is a model for procurement professionalism and best practice
What You'll Do
The Senior Commodity Buyer is accountable for the following key activities: Develop and update Category Strategies on critical commodities aligned with Technology Roadmaps and future product plans.
Lead supplier identification, selection, and relationship management with key suppliers, ensuring Mc Laren is a customer of choice.
Lead on supplier nominations with collaborative cross functional support.
Negotiate, execute, and monitor complex contractual agreements with strategic suppliers and ensure Mc Laren's commercial position is protected.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Finance, and Legal to deliver aligned strategies and robust supplier performance.
Demonstrate expertise in supplier processes, cost drivers, and industry trends.
Prepare and deliver annual plans for cost reduction and supplier claims minimization on multi-million pound direct-spend portfolios.
Deputize for the Manager as required and support team development.
What You'll Bring
Knowledge, skills & experience: Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; MCIPS qualification desirable.
Proven experience in procurement within automotive or manufacturing.
Strong commercial background and negotiation skills.
Experience managing multi-national suppliers and delivering complex contracts.
Excellent communication, influencing, and organizational skills.
Results-driven, delivery-focused, and able to work autonomously.
Ability to lead and energize teams, promote best practice, and drive continuous improvement.
Personal Attributes / Competencies Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
Passion for purchasing and innovation.
Strong attention to accuracy and detail.
Self-motivated and ambitious, with a desire to progress within Mc Laren.
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes: Structured career development framework25 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.
Mc Laren 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.
Mc Laren 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 - Engines in Woking 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 Senior Buyer - Engines in Woking
✨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 - Engines in Woking
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.
