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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to source and manage technical components in motorsport.
- Company: Prodrive, a leading independent motorsport company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 25 days holiday, training opportunities, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting world of motorsport while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical purchasing and a degree in a relevant discipline required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Prodrive we believe there's no limit to what can be achieved when the brightest minds come together. Joining one focused and driven team, you will challenge boundaries in order to change the game for our customers. We are the world's leading independent motorsport company and the business behind some of the greatest names and achievements in motorsport over the last 40 years.
We are looking for a Technical Buyer to provide technically credible procurement capability, translating engineering intent into effective sourcing decisions and supplier execution. This role applies engineering literacy, commercial judgement and experience to deliver complex, low-volume machining and metallic components under demanding time and performance constraints. You will be able to work autonomously within delivery or programme team - engaging with a range of stakeholders from commercial, programme team, engineering and at most levels within the supplier base.
Key Responsibilities- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements accurately.
- Hold credible technical discussions with engineers and suppliers.
- Apply understanding of manufacturing processes and constraints to sourcing decisions.
- Challenge assumptions constructively to balance technical risk, lead time and cost.
- Own machining and metallic components through the full lifecycle from sourcing to receipt and use.
- Anticipate supply, quality or technical risks and act early to prevent failure.
- Ensure parts arrive on time, to specification and fit for purpose.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data reflecting technical, commercial and delivery reality, including price, lead time and invoice resolution.
Who are we looking for? Our ideal candidate will have experience in technical purchasing working with machining and metallic components within Motorsport or advanced engineering, backed by a degree in a relevant discipline. You will be confident reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications, be technically credible and trusted by engineers and suppliers, and remain calm and decisive under pressure. You will have a practical understanding of relevant manufacturing processes (e.g. machining and fabrication) and have experience using ERP or purchasing systems in a fast-paced technical environment. With a good working knowledge of should-cost to inform sourcing and negotiation decisions, you will be comfortable making judgement calls with incomplete information, and have a proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach.
What can we offer you?- An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact.
- 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days.
- Training opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Onsite subsidised staff restaurant.
- Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes.
- Cyclescheme.
- Exercise classes.
- Paid time off for volunteering.
- Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert.
- Social events throughout the year.
- Exclusive company discounts.
- Life assurance.
We are an equal opportunities employer. At Prodrive we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application. Come and make a difference.
Technical Buyer in Oxford employer: Prodrive
Contact Detail:
Prodrive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the motorsport and engineering sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss engineering drawings and sourcing decisions. Practise answering common interview questions related to procurement and manufacturing processes to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially when it comes to balancing cost, lead time, and technical risks. This will demonstrate your analytical approach and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make that difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Buyer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with machining and metallic components. We want to see how you've interpreted engineering drawings and specifications in your previous roles, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with both engineers and suppliers.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities: Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and make decisions under pressure, so let us know how you’ve managed risks and ensured timely deliveries.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prodrive
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially regarding machining and metallic components. Be ready to discuss how you interpret engineering drawings and specifications, as this will show your technical credibility to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in credible technical discussions with both engineers and suppliers. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and think about how you can challenge assumptions constructively while balancing technical risks and costs.
✨Understand Manufacturing Processes
Familiarise yourself with relevant manufacturing processes like machining and fabrication. This understanding will help you make informed sourcing decisions and demonstrate your ability to apply commercial judgement effectively during the interview.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you've anticipated supply or quality risks and acted early to prevent failure. Highlight your proactive, analytical approach and how it has led to successful outcomes in previous roles.