Buyer

SF Partners; Bicester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Partners is seeking an experienced Buyer for a leading automotive manufacturer to manage direct materials, drive sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships.

You will handle RFQs, negotiate contracts, monitor KPIs, support NPI, and contribute to cost reductions through value engineering and supplier consolidation. Strong Excel and ERP/MRP experience (SAP/Oracle/IFS/Dynamics) and a valid UK driving licence are required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Buyer in automotive manufacturing.
• Experience managing multiple direct procurement commodity categories.
• Strong commercial negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, IFS, Microsoft Dynamics.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Full UK driving licence (if supplier visits are required).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of direct procurement categories including raw materials and components.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Onboard new suppliers and maintain relationships with strategic suppliers.
• Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts and terms.
• Deliver annual cost reduction initiatives through negotiations and value engineering.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality and Production to support requirements and NPI.
• Manage RFQs, quotations, evaluations and sourcing decisions.
• Support supplier audits and corrective action programs.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Supplier Relationship Management

Commercial Negotiation

Category Management

Cost Reduction

Data Analysis

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Project Management

Education

CIPS MCIPS qualification

Tools

SAP

Oracle

IFS

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

The Opportunity

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.

Key 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).

Desirable Experience

• 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.

Key Competencies

• 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

What's on Offer

• 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