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- Tasks: Lead procurement for high-value automotive programmes and ensure timely delivery of critical components.
- Company: Dynamic automotive client focused on engineering excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, ongoing training, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and social activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment where procurement drives programme success.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive purchasing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Our Automotive client is looking for a Senior Programme Buyer to take the lead on procurement across high-value, technically complex programmes. This is a hands‑on role where you'll influence sourcing decisions, manage supplier performance, and ensure critical components are delivered in line with demanding project timelines. You’ll be joining a fast‑moving, engineering‑led environment where procurement plays a central role in programme success, not just a support function.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You’ll take ownership of procurement from concept through to delivery, ensuring supply chain activity keeps pace with programme demands.
- Shape sourcing plans that align with programme timing, cost targets, and technical requirements.
- Select and appoint suppliers, balancing capability, risk, and long‑term value.
- Work closely with engineering and programme teams to support design and development phases.
- Drive supplier accountability for quality, cost, and on‑time delivery.
- Ensure materials, components, and tooling are in place for builds, trials, and production ramp‑up.
- Act quickly to resolve supply issues and keep programmes on track.
Commercial Ownership
- Lead negotiations on pricing, tooling, and contractual terms.
- Manage cost changes and maintain visibility of programme spend.
- Monitor supplier commitments and ensure alignment with business expectations.
- Identify potential supply chain risks early and put mitigation plans in place.
- Maintain accurate data across systems to support reporting and decision‑making.
- Oversee procurement activity through to programme completion.
What We’re Looking For
This role suits someone who is comfortable operating at pace and taking real ownership. You’ll likely have:
- Experience in automotive purchasing within a Tier‑1, OEM, or similar environment.
- A track record of supporting or leading procurement across programme lifecycles.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Confidence working cross‑functionally with technical and non‑technical teams.
- A structured approach to managing cost, timing, and risk.
Why Join?
- Competitive salary with room to grow.
- Flexible benefits, including holiday purchase options.
- Ongoing development and training opportunities.
- Pension and salary sacrifice schemes.
- Wellbeing initiatives and employee support programmes.
- Onsite facilities and social activities.
- A collaborative environment where procurement has real influence.
Senior Program Buyer in London employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Program Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Programme Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves leading negotiations on pricing and contracts, practice articulating your strategies and past successes. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your experience in automotive purchasing. Tailor your approach to each application to stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay proactive after applying! Follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm for the role. This shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. Remember, we’re all about making connections and showing genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Program Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Programme Buyer. Highlight your experience in automotive purchasing and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our fast-moving, engineering-led environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced sourcing decisions or managed supplier performance in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, make sure to highlight your successes in this area. Whether it's pricing, tooling, or contractual terms, we want to know how you've driven value in previous roles. Be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your automotive purchasing knowledge, especially in a Tier-1 or OEM context. Understand the intricacies of procurement across programme lifecycles and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to talk about your negotiation strategies and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Think of concrete examples where you’ve influenced pricing, tooling, or contractual terms to benefit your projects.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be ready to explain how you've worked with both technical and non-technical teams. Highlight instances where your collaboration has led to successful outcomes in design and development phases, showing that you can bridge gaps between different departments.
✨Risk Management Mindset
Discuss your approach to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks. Share specific situations where you’ve acted quickly to resolve issues and kept programmes on track, showcasing your proactive attitude and structured approach.