At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop sourcing strategies and ensure material supply for innovative projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on growth and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving supplier partnerships and enhancing supply chain resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong leadership skills are essential.
Job Title: Commodity Purchasing Lead
Reports to (title): Head of Procurement
Date: July 2026
Dual Site Location: Yarnton, Bicester Motion
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Lead the Commodity Purchasing team to develop and execute sourcing strategies that ensure the supply of materials, components and plant tool/fixtures required to support new product introduction and series production.
The role is responsible for achieving competitive total cost, excellent supplier performance, robust supply chain resilience and supporting the company's growth strategy through effective supplier partnerships and cross-functional collaboration.
The Commodity Lead will manage the workload of the team and will need to adequately resource XP/Experiment /Prototype phases as well as Sourcing for Production and production support.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES/KEY RESULT AREAS
Key responsibilities will include:
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop the Commodity Purchasing team.
- Set objectives and priorities aligned with business strategy.
- Drive accountability and continuous improvement.
- Develop succession plans and capability within the team.
Commodity Strategy
Develop and implement long-term sourcing strategies for assigned commodities by considering:
- market trends
- technology developments
- geopolitical risks
- sustainability
- capacity planning
- supplier footprint
- cost competitiveness
- Review strategies annually and update when market conditions change.
Supplier Management
Lead strategic supplier relationships by:
- conducting executive business reviews
- monitoring supplier performance
- driving supplier development
- identifying new suppliers
- managing supplier exits where appropriate
- supporting long-term partnership agreements
Strategic Sourcing
Lead sourcing activities including:
- RFQs
- supplier selection
- commercial negotiations
- sourcing council preparation
- nomination recommendations
- contract negotiations
Ensure sourcing decisions consider:
- total cost of ownership
- quality
- delivery
- technical capability
- sustainability
- risk
- innovation
Cost Management
- Deliver annual targets for:
- PPV
- cost reduction
Lead negotiations covering:
- inflation
- indexation
- raw materials
- logistics
- currency exposure
Programme Support
Support New Product Introduction through:
- supplier selection
- sourcing timing
- commercial readiness
- capacity validation
- APQP timing
- PPAP readiness
- launch support
- Ensure supplier readiness before SOP.
Supplier Performance
Monitor and improve:
- delivery performance
- quality
- responsiveness
- capacity
- financial health
Work closely with Supplier Quality to resolve major supplier issues.
Supply Chain Risk
- Identify and mitigate risks relating to:
- geopolitical events
- financial stability
- single source exposure
- capacity
- logistics
- export controls
- raw material availability
- Develop mitigation plans and report key risks to senior leadership.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Engineering
- Supplier Quality
- Manufacturing
- Programme Management
- Finance
- Logistics
- Legal
- Support cross-functional decision making.
Governance
Ensure compliance with:
- Procurement Policy
- sourcing governance
- contract approval processes
- ethical sourcing
- sustainability requirements
- CBAM
- Responsible sourcing requirements
Commodity Purchasing Lead in Oxford employer: YASA
As a Maintenance Technician at our cutting-edge facility, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring you can advance your skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides a unique chance to work with advanced technology while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule on a rotating shift pattern.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Purchasing Lead in Oxford
✨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 YASA.
✨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 Commodity Purchasing Lead in Oxford
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 YASA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to YASA. 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 YASA.
How to prepare for a job interview at YASA
✨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 YASA!
✨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 YASA. 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 YASA's culture.
