At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sourcing and procurement in a high-performance Formula One environment.
- Company: Join the innovative Alpine Racing Team, a leader in motorsport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, gym access, and catered meals.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on race car performance while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Studying Business, Supply Chain, or related fields with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Duration: 1 year
Start Date: July 2027
Location: Enstone
About Us
We are a high-performance Formula One Team driven by innovation, precision, and passion. Our Purchasing department plays a vital role in ensuring the team has the materials, components, and services required to develop and race a world-class Formula One car. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers, the team helps deliver innovative solutions at pace while balancing cost, quality, and performance. As a Purchasing Student Placement, you'll gain hands-on experience within a fast-paced motorsport environment, supporting the procurement activities that keep our car development and operations moving forward.
The Role
During your placement, you'll support the Purchasing Team in sourcing components and services, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring parts are delivered on time to meet demanding project and racing deadlines. You'll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams, gaining exposure to the full procurement process within a Formula One environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the sourcing and procurement of components, materials, and services across the business
- Assist with raising purchase orders and maintaining accurate procurement records within company systems
- Liaise with suppliers to obtain quotations, lead times, and delivery updates
- Support supplier performance monitoring, helping to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are achieved
- Assist with cost analysis and reporting activities to support purchasing decisions
- Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand requirements and ensure timely component delivery
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Purchasing and Supply Chain functions
- Help manage supplier communications and maintain strong working relationships
What We’re Looking For
- Currently studying a degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Motorsport, Engineering, Finance, or a related discipline and seeking an industry placement in your penultimate year of university
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Passion for motorsport and a proactive, collaborative mindset
- You must have the right to work in the UK, as we cannot provide sponsorship for this role
- Be available to attend onsite for an assessment centre in September
What We Offer in Return
At Alpine Formula One Team, you won’t just contribute; you’ll make a direct impact on race car performance at the pinnacle of motorsport. Working alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry, you’ll help shape innovation on a global stage. Our purpose-built facilities in Enstone provide the perfect environment to thrive.
- Competitive salary
- Private medical healthcare
- Full access to our free on-site gym
- A fully catered restaurant with a daily allowance
- A wide range of additional benefits designed to support your wellbeing and growth
Beyond the perks, you’ll be part of a team that’s pushing boundaries in Formula One. The thrill of pioneering cutting-edge technology, combined with a collaborative and inclusive culture, creates unmatched opportunities for career development and personal achievement.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Alpine Formula One Team, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be their true selves. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences.
We are committed to leading by example in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our society.
Procurement Student Placement employer: Renault Group
Renault Retail Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service and employee development. Located in Brentford, our dealership provides a supportive environment with flexible working patterns, competitive benefits including staff discounts and a comprehensive pension scheme, and ample opportunities for career growth through excellent training programmes. Join us to be part of a team that values professionalism and a warm welcome for every customer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Student Placement
✨Get Involved in Procurement Networks
Join procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like LinkedIn or local meetups. These communities are buzzing with opportunities and insights into the industry, and connecting with professionals in the field can lead to valuable insider tips or even referrals for placements.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don't underestimate the power of your university's career services. They often have partnerships with companies looking for placement students in procurement. Check their job boards regularly, attend career fairs, and make sure to ask them about specific opportunities they may have with companies like Renault Group.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Sector-Specific Platforms
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your procurement skills and any projects you've worked on, even if they're academic. Use keywords relevant to procurement so you can appear in searches by recruiters looking for placement candidates.
✨Network at Industry Events
Keep an eye out for procurement conferences, workshops, or webinars—these are golden opportunities to meet industry leaders. If you can chat with someone from Renault Group, do it! Demonstrating interest in their work could lead to a placement opportunity down the line. Plus, you’ll gain insights that could help you stand out in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Student Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills:In procurement and purchasing, it's all about negotiation! Make sure to highlight any experiences you have in your CV or cover letter where you’ve successfully negotiated deals, whether in a previous job, during your studies, or even in a group project. Demonstrating your ability to secure value for money will definitely catch the eye of our team at Renault Group.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:As this is a placement, we want to see your potential and enthusiasm for the procurement world. Include any relevant coursework, projects, or case studies from your studies that relate specifically to purchasing processes or supply chain management. This shows us you’ve got a solid theoretical background to complement your practical application!
Tailor Your Documentation:We expect applications that reflect a real interest in the role. Don’t just send us a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application documents to reflect the specific skills and knowledge needed for the procurement field. Mention specific tools or methodologies you've learned about during your studies or any certificates you’d gained that are relevant.
Convey Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why you're excited about the placement at Renault Group. Share any personal experiences that sparked your interest in procurement. Maybe you encountered challenges during a project that required you to think like a buyer? This personal touch can really set your application apart!
How to prepare for a job interview at Renault Group
✨Understanding the Procurement Landscape
For a placement in procurement, it’s vital we grasp the current trends and challenges in the supply chain. Make sure to read up on topics like sustainable sourcing or inventory management, as they'll likely come up in discussions, so we can showcase our knowledge about the industry.
✨Know Your Tools
Be familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. If we mention experience or knowledge of these tools in our interview with Renault Group, it’ll show we’re ready to hit the ground running and can make an instant impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you approach analysing vendor proposals or evaluating supplier performance. We might be asked to walk through a situation where we had to make data-driven decisions. Having a couple of examples ready to illustrate our analytical mindset will really set us apart.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a placement, potential employers like Renault Group will be looking for our motivation and eagerness to learn. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships where we've taken initiative. This shows we’re not just about the skills, but also about growing in the procurement field.
