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- Tasks: Negotiate supplier deals and manage supply strategies across multiple automotive plants.
- Company: Join a leading global automotive manufacturing operation with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, electric car scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for genuine career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on savings and operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect buying within manufacturing; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 £ per year.
Most buying jobs are predictable. This one isn’t. One day you’re negotiating a supplier on forklift tyres, the next you’re locking in a multi-million-pound site-services deal across multiple plants. It’s fast, it’s varied, it’s challenging, but nobody breathes down your neck, and you’re treated like an adult.
Day-to-day you’ll:
- Own the entire supply strategy for maintenance, repair, services and consumables
- Deliver (and beat) serious savings targets that hit the bottom line
- Benchmark, run RFQs, negotiate contracts like a pro
- Chase down non-conformities and make sure they stay fixed
- Keep the plants, engineering and finance all pointing the same direction
- Identify market opportunities to satisfy the plants requirements
- Improve and implement the cost reduction programs through price reductions / optimisations
You’ll thrive here if you have:
- Real indirect/MRO/plant buying experience inside manufacturing (advantageous if this has come from within Automotive)
- CIPS is advantageous; proven results are essential
- A track record of real savings and juggling multiple projects without dropping any
- Strong communication - you’ll talk to people on the shop floor and ops directors in the same hour across differing departments, so you’ll utilise your strong relationship building skills
- The drive to work independently but the sense to escalate when it matters
You’ll fit if you’re:
- Proactive, results driven and enjoy building meaningful relationships
- Brilliant at prioritising the 3 things that matter out of 20 on your plate
- Comfortable pushing back (politely but firmly) when needed
- Ambitious - you want the next step (senior MRO, category lead, logistics, development - it’s all possible here)
About the Organisation:
A large, high volume automotive manufacturing operation that forms part of a global tier one group. The site operates in a fast paced, quality critical environment where equipment uptime, supplier performance and cost control directly impact production and customer delivery. This role offers the chance to work within a globally connected manufacturing business while having real ownership and visibility at site level. You will gain exposure to best practice processes, complex operations and a role that genuinely impacts performance.
The benefits package:
- £50k base (up to £55k if you’re exceptional)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Option to buy/sell holiday
- Flexible start & finish times every day
- 1 day a week work-from-home
- Genuine progression - promotion from within and there’s clear headroom
If you get a buzz from turning supplier chaos into hard cash savings and being trusted to just get on with it, send your CV and we’ll talk further.
Indirect Buyer employer: William Scott Consulting Ltd
Contact Detail:
William Scott Consulting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills can directly impact their bottom line, especially in areas like cost reduction and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract negotiations, we suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Indirect Buyer. Highlight your experience in indirect/MRO buying, especially within manufacturing or automotive. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us the results! Include specific examples of savings you've achieved and projects you've managed. We love numbers that tell a story about your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how your proactive approach can benefit us. Make it personal and engaging – we want to get to know you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s make this happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at William Scott Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your past achievements in savings and cost reductions. Be ready to discuss specific figures and how you achieved them. This role is all about delivering results, so showcasing your track record will definitely impress.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the automotive manufacturing supply chain, especially in relation to maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Being able to speak knowledgeably about how different components interact will show that you’re not just a buyer, but a strategic thinker.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves liaising with various departments, think of examples where you've successfully built relationships across teams. Prepare to share how you’ve navigated differing priorities and maintained strong communication, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Proactive and Ambitious
Show your enthusiasm for taking initiative and your ambition for career growth. Discuss your long-term goals and how this position aligns with them. Employers love candidates who are eager to grow and contribute to the company’s success.