Buyer - Powertrain ICE

McLaren Automotive Limited; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced company pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus award

Private medical insurance

Life assurance benefit

Job summary

McLaren is seeking a Buyer for the Powertrain department in Woking. This full-time role involves negotiating contracts and developing supplier strategies in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and experience in procurement, preferably within automotive.

The role includes collaboration with cross-functional teams and managing supplier relationships to meet production goals.

McLaren offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, a pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Previous purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Experience in developing structured commodity strategies, including risk and cost assessments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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 sourcing strategies.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Negotiating complex contracts

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Supplier relationship management

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Job TitleBuyer - Powertrain ICERef #59192Date postedTuesday, June 30, 2026CountryUnited KingdomLocationWokingBusiness areaProcurementDepartmentCommodity ProcurementPosition level5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-15)Working timeFull TimeContract typePermanentWorking pattern9am - 6pm Monday to FridaySalary.What to ExpectThe 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 DoThe 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 criteriaWhat 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 YouWe offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:* Structured career development framework* 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 adviceWho Are We?No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks.McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.