Commodity Buyer

McLaren Racing; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive firm in England is seeking a Commodity Buyer to negotiate supplier contracts and develop sourcing strategies within a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Business or Engineering, along with previous experience in purchasing in the automotive sector. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive cost management and ensuring suppliers meet quality and timing targets. A comprehensive benefits package and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Structured career development framework

25 days' holiday

Enhanced company pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance benefit

Sabbatical eligibility after two years

Discounted shopping benefits

Generous parental leave policies

Wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Previous purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Solid experience in procurement or commodity buying.
• Experience in developing structured commodity strategies.

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

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Cost analysis

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Overview

The McLaren Automotive Purchasing Department is an exciting yet demanding, fast paced and commercially driven environment. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Commodity Buyer is responsible for negotiating and completing supplier contracts within assigned commodity groups (Electric Powertrain, Electrical, Chassis, Exterior, Interior, Powertrain, Body in White and Carbon). 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.

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 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; MCIPS qualification desirable.

Personal Attributes / Competencies

• 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.

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.

We 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 advice