Buyer - Powertrain ICE

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday plus bank holiday

Enhanced company pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance benefit

Generous parental leave policies

Job summary

McLaren Automotive Ltd is looking for a Commodity Buyer to join its Procurement Department. The successful candidate will engage with cross-functional teams to negotiate supplier contracts and develop sourcing strategies for the Powertrain commodity group.

This role requires strong procurement experience, particularly in the automotive sector, alongside a degree in Business or Engineering. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous holiday allowance and private medical insurance.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in procurement or commodity buying.
• Previous purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of cost breakdown analysis.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and finalize production supplier contracts for assigned commodities.
• Mitigate cost increases and drive cost-down activities.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to develop sourcing strategies.

Skills

Negotiating complex contracts

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

MCIPS qualification

Job description

The McLaren Automotive Procurement Department is an exciting yet demanding, fast paced and commercially driven environment.

The successful candidate will be working as part of a high performing and agile team, with direct report into the Powertrain Purchasing Manager. Cross functional engagement with our Engineering, Quality, Production and Legal Teams is vital for successful delivery and performance.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Commodity Buyer is responsible for negotiating and completing supplier contracts within the Powertrain commodity group. The role involves leading sourcing activities and developing supplier strategies in collaboration with Engineering and Supplier Quality, ensuring McLaren leverages the best technology, cost, and quality for the future of the company.

What You'll Do

• The Commodity Buyer is accountable for the following key activities:
• Negotiate and finalize production supplier contracts for assigned commodities.
• Mitigate cost increases and drive cost-down activities within scope.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to develop and deploy sourcing strategies.
• Conduct supplier assessments and coordinate sourcing recommendations.
• Ensure suppliers meet program targets for timing, cost, quality, and technical attributes.
• Serve as the focal point for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities with suppliers and internal customers.
• Support risk assessment, total acquisition cost analysis, and cross-functional alignment on technical and quality criteria

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; MCIPS qualification desirable.
• Previous purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive preferred).
• Solid experience in procurement or commodity buying.
• Experience in developing structured commodity strategies, including risk and cost assessments.
• Some experience negotiating complex contracts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to influence at senior management level.
• Good understanding of cost breakdown analysis.
• Analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Ability to build strong supplier relationships.
• Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams.
• Eagerness to learn and develop within the procurement function.

What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus award
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance benefit
• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years' service
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• Generous parental leave policies
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice