JOB OVERVIEW
The Buying Manager is responsible for overseeing and driving the wholesale procurement strategy of used vehicles to meet business objectives. This job manages a team of buyers, sets sourcing strategies, and ensures the acquisition of high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. The Buying Manager plays a critical role in ensuring profitability, optimising inventory turnover, and supporting wholesale growth through strategic sourcing, negotiations, and market insights.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Buying & Market Intelligence
- Define and implement the wholesale purchasing strategy in alignment with organisational objectives.
- Analyse market trends, competitor activity, pricing shifts, and demand cycles to guide buying decisions.
- Identify high-demand models for wholesale trade and develop sourcing strategies to secure them.
- Oversee regular benchmarking of competitor pricing and vehicle availability.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build, maintain, and expand strong relationships with auction houses, fleet operators, leasing companies, dealerships, and wholesalers.
- Negotiate bulk purchase agreements, long-term supply contracts, and favourable commercial terms.
- Resolve disputes or discrepancies related to vehicle conditions, documentation, or pricing.
Procurement & Inventory Optimization
- Supervise the sourcing, inspection, and acquisition of vehicles for wholesale resale.
- Ensure vehicles meet wholesale quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Assess reconditioning and repair costs to optimize profitability in wholesale trade.
- Manage wholesale budgets, ensuring cost-efficient and profitable purchasing decisions.
- Collaborate with sales teams to align vehicle mix with wholesale demand.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and inspectors, ensuring high performance and capability building.
- Allocate responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide training on negotiation, sourcing, and inspection techniques.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure accuracy and compliance in vehicle documentation, including titles, registrations, and service records.
- Oversee efficient processing, logistics, and delivery of purchased vehicles into wholesale channels.
- Maintain accurate records of purchases, negotiations, and cost breakdowns for reporting and audit purposes.
- Ensure alignment with company policies, ethical standards, and governance frameworks.
Business Insights & Reporting
- Provide senior management with market intelligence, supplier performance analysis, and procurement insights.
- Deliver regular reports on purchasing trends, cost savings, profitability, and supplier contributions.
- Support management in forecasting, inventory planning, and wholesale business development.
General
- Uphold company values throughout business practices and utilise sound judgment in decision making.
- Any other additional duties as may be required by management based on needs of the business.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of 7–10 years of experience in automotive buying, procurement, or wholesale operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Proven expertise in the used car market, wholesale trading, and supplier negotiations.