Commodity Manager - Powertrain

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Braintree; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Commodity Manager - Powertrain to oversee the sourcing and procurement of powertrain components. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in the automotive sector, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in Engineering or related fields. This role will work closely with engineering teams to align procurement strategies with production goals.

Benefits

Competitive Base Salary

Private Medical Scheme

Life Assurance

Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Personal Pension Plan

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay

Cycle to Work Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme

Parking Onsite

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or sourcing within the automotive sector.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating high-value supplier contracts.
• Deep understanding of cost management, strategic sourcing, and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for powertrain systems including engines and transmissions.
• Develop long-term sourcing strategies aligned with powertrain design principles.
• Negotiate complex supplier contracts and manage global relationships.

Skills

Proven experience in procurement or sourcing

Strong commercial acumen

Deep understanding of cost management

Demonstrated leadership skills

Highly analytical and organized

Collaborative, proactive, and results-driven

Education

Degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain Management

Job description

Commodity Manager - Powertrain

Department: Direct Purchasing

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Shalford

Reporting To: Vasco Araujo

Description

Gordon Murray Automotive operates in a fast-paced environment that champions innovation, precision, and supplier excellence. We are renowned for developing high-performance vehicles that combine lightweight design, engineering artistry, and extraordinary performance.

We are seeking a Commodity Manager - Powertrain Systems to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for all powertrain components across current and future GMA vehicle platforms. This role will be pivotal in developing and executing strategic sourcing strategies that support our engineering philosophy and high-performance vehicle objectives.

You will collaborate closely with Engineering, Programme Management, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure that powertrain systems integrate seamlessly into GMA vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all procurement activities for powertrain systems, including engines, transmissions, drivetrains, and related components.
• Develop and implement long-term sourcing strategies aligned with lightweight, high-performance powertrain design principles.
• Negotiate complex supplier contracts and manage commercial and operational relationships globally.
• Drive supplier performance improvements, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Support new vehicle programmes through supplier readiness and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate reporting, cost tracking, and budget management for the powertrain commodity group.
• Act as the primary escalation point for supplier and commercial issues related to powertrain systems.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Proven experience in procurement or sourcing within the automotive, motorsport, or advanced engineering sectors, specifically with powertrain systems.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating complex, high-value supplier contracts.
• Deep understanding of cost management, strategic sourcing, and contract law.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Highly analytical, organized, and capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent practical experience.
• Collaborative, proactive, and results-driven with a passion for continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Experience in low-volume, high-mix, high-performance vehicle manufacturing.
• Strong technical knowledge of engines, transmissions, and drivetrain systems, especially in lightweight or high-performance applications.
• Familiarity with advanced materials and precision engineering supply chains.
• Experience in niche OEM environments with rapid development cycles.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and advanced procurement analytics tools.

Benefits

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team, the position comes with:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Private Medical Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday Loyalty Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Personal Pension Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• Parking Onsite

Gordon Murray Group is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, race, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We strive to promote a workplace that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to express their opinions and beliefs.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any reasonable adjustments to assist with your application.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.