At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse procurement categories and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Leading automotive manufacturer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, pension scheme, and employee wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence procurement strategy in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer in automotive manufacturing and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading automotive manufacturer seeking an experienced Buyer to join its Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven procurement professional to manage a diverse portfolio of direct commodities, supporting production through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimisation initiatives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for procuring a broad range of direct materials, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery targets are achieved while building strong supplier partnerships and supporting business growth.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a portfolio of direct procurement categories, including raw materials, components, assemblies, castings, forgings, plastics, electronics, fasteners, fabricated parts, and subcontract services.
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business and operational objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing strategic suppliers.
- Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms, and long-term supply agreements.
- Deliver annual cost reduction initiatives through commercial negotiations, value engineering, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs, including quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to support production requirements and New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.
- Manage RFQs, supplier quotations, commercial evaluations, and sourcing decisions.
- Support supplier audits, supplier development activities, and corrective action programmes where required.
- Analyse market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to develop mitigation strategies.
- Ensure continuity of supply while proactively managing supplier capacity and potential risks.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier records, and contracts within the ERP system.
- Support inventory optimisation and working capital improvement initiatives.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and customer requirements.
- Previous experience as a Buyer within an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing multiple direct procurement commodity categories.
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.
- Experience managing RFQs, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
- Good understanding of cost breakdown analysis and value engineering principles.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications is advantageous.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, IFS, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Full UK driving licence (if supplier visits are required).
- Experience working with OEMs or Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive quality standards.
- Exposure to international sourcing and global supplier management.
- Understanding of commodity market analysis and raw material pricing.
- CIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS.
- Strategic Sourcing
- Direct Procurement
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Category Management
- Cost Reduction & Value Engineering
- Supplier Performance Management
- Risk Management
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to join a well-established automotive manufacturer.
- Exposure to a broad range of direct procurement categories.
- Career progression and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Pension scheme.
- Annual bonus (where applicable).
- Employee wellbeing and recognition programmes.
This role is ideal for an ambitious Buyer looking to broaden their category management experience and play a key role in supporting a high-performing automotive manufacturing operation. You will have the opportunity to influence procurement strategy, build strong supplier partnerships, and deliver measurable commercial value within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Buyer in Bicester employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Bicester
✨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 SF Partners.
✨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 Buyer in Bicester
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 SF Partners:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SF Partners. 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 SF Partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨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 SF Partners!
✨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 SF Partners. 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 SF Partners's culture.
