Job title
Buyer
Department
Purchasing
Location
AP Racing Ltd, Coventry
Reports to
Purchasing Manager / VP of Purchasing
Employment type
Full-time, Permanent
Role Purpose
We are looking for a Buyer to join our purchasing team and provide credible procurement capability by finding, qualifying and developing the right suppliers and securing the best commercial and technical outcomes.
You will work closely with Engineering and Quality, translating technical requirements into sourcing decisions for direct purchases (production materials and components) and indirect purchases (tooling and equipment). The role covers three very different business streams: OE programmes with long development cycles and strict customer requirements, top level Motorsport where lead times are short, and upgrade kits where cost and availability drive commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing and supplier selection
- Lead sourcing projects for new and existing parts, from technical review through to supplier nomination and contract award
- Review drawings, specifications and requirements with Engineering, and challenge them where cost, manufacturability or supply risk can be improved
- Prepare and issue RFQs, compare quotations on a total cost basis and recommend suppliers to the Procurement Manager
- Identify and develop new suppliers, particularly for specialist, low-volume and high-mix requirements
- Make make-versus-buy and process selection recommendations (machined, cast, forged or fabricated)
Supplier qualification and quality
- Qualify new suppliers through capability assessments, audits, samples and first article inspection
- Support OE programmes with supplier approval, PPAP/FAI and change control requirements
- Assess alternative materials and processes proposed by suppliers, working with Engineering to validate them
Commercial management
- Build should-cost models and cost breakdowns to support negotiation and challenge quotations
- Negotiate prices, terms, tooling and long-term agreements, in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager
- Develop cost reduction initiatives and track savings
- Analyse spend and market data to support category strategies and identify opportunities
- Ensure business plan objectives are met including monthly Price Variance.
Indirect and capital sourcing
- Lead sourcing for indirect categories, including machine tools, cutting tools, test and calibration equipment, subcontract processing, maintenance and professional services
- Run competitive tenders and evaluate capital equipment purchases with budget holders
Risk and compliance
- Assess supplier risk, including financial health, single-source exposure and capacity, and recommend mitigation
- Support compliance with export control, trade regulations and quality standards (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001)
- Maintain accurate supplier approval, contract and sourcing records
ESG and responsible sourcing
- Embed environmental, social and governance criteria into supplier selection, tender evaluation and contract terms
- Assess suppliers against our Supplier Code of Conduct, covering human rights, labour practices, health and safety, anti-bribery and corruption, and business ethics
- Carry out supply chain due diligence on high-risk materials and regions, including conflict minerals and traceability of raw materials such as carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium and rare metals
- Collect and review supplier sustainability data, including carbon emissions, energy use, waste, recycled content and environmental certifications (such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001), to support the company's reporting and customer requirements
- Respond to OE customer sustainability questionnaires and audits, and support supplier ratings such as NQC
- Work with suppliers to reduce environmental impact, set improvement targets and identify lower-carbon materials, processes and logistics options
- Support our Modern Slavery Act statement and wider ESG reporting by maintaining accurate supplier information
About You
Essential
- Experience in technical purchasing, sourcing or supplier development within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Proven experience running RFQs, evaluating quotations and negotiating with technical suppliers
- Understanding of supplier qualification, quality systems and traceability requirements
- Strong analytical skills, including should-cost or cost breakdown analysis
- Confident communicator who can work with engineers, suppliers and senior stakeholders
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel (lookups and pivot tables) and experienced with ERP/MRP systems
Desirable
- Experience in automotive, motorsport, aerospace or other precision engineering
- Knowledge of machined components, castings, forgings, friction materials or composites
- Experience with PPAP/FAI and OE customer supplier-approval processes
- Experience with international sourcing, customs and import regulations
- MCIPS or working towards it, and a degree or technical qualification in engineering, supply chain or business
BUYER in Coventry employer: Motorsport Network, LLC
Red Bull Powertrains offers an exhilarating work environment in Milton Keynes, where innovation and precision drive our high-performance team. As a Manufacturing Assembly Technician, you'll benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth, with opportunities for skill development and career advancement while working on cutting-edge technology in the motorsport industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values accuracy, reliability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced setting.
