Nissan Purchasing Graduate Scheme

Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd.; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working

Flexible hours

Private medical cover

Car ownership scheme

Onsite gym

Free parking

Job summary

Nissan is seeking graduates to join its Purchasing team at the Sunderland plant (NMUK) or the Cranfield European Technical Centre (NTCE). You will manage multiple workstreams, work with suppliers, and gain exposure across Design, Supply Chain, Finance, and Engineering.

From day one you will receive mentoring and training to develop commercial and technical skills, with opportunities to travel within the UK and abroad and to grow into senior roles.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree 2:1 or above in a relevant field.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK for the duration.
• Willing to travel and work across the UK and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Relationship Management: build and maintain relationships with suppliers and ensure competitive costing.
• Project & Cost Management: manage costs, analyse quotes, negotiate contracts and track expenditures.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with Design, Supply Chain, Finance and Engineering to ensure high standards.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: perform cost analysis and provide insights to stakeholders.
• Supplier Site Visits: travel to supplier locations to inspect operations and ensure quality.
• Sourcing & Negotiation: source new parts and negotiate best deals for Nissan.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

MS Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

Excel

Job description

Are you ready to dive into the fast-paced world of automotive purchasing? Nissan is looking for driven and dedicated graduates to join our Purchasing team, a critical function where you’ll make a tangible impact on our business from day one. This is not your typical entry-level role; from the start, you’ll be managing multiple workstreams, taking on high levels of responsibility, and working directly with suppliers to solve real-world challenges. At Nissan, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a team where camaraderie is key, and you’ll be treated as a valued member from the moment you join. With opportunities to travel in the UK and abroad, you’ll gain international exposure and the chance to develop a broad understanding of Nissan’s business operations. Purchasing at Nissan is unique – our team touches every aspect of the business, from Design and Supply Chain to Legal and Finance. The role offers unmatched visibility within the organisation, with many past Purchasing graduates moving into senior roles. We are offering positions based at our Sunderland plant (NMUK) and our European Technical Centre in Cranfield (NTCE), for successful candidates to be placed in either our Direct Purchasing or Indirect Purchasing department, depending on business needs. Direct Purchasing focuses on sourcing components directly related to new and current car models; Indirect Purchasing involves working with suppliers that support our broader infrastructure including machinery, equipment, facilities, CAPEX and logistics. In either role, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills, take on real responsibility, and grow within a supportive team environment with excellent mentorship and training.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? and start your career journey with Nissan, where you’ll gain invaluable experience, learn from industry experts, and make an impact on a global scale.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining key relationships with suppliers, working closely with them to ensure competitive costing for high-quality parts
• Project & Cost Management: Managing day-to-day and project costs, analysing quotes, negotiating contracts and tracking expenditures related to parts and equipment in the UK and beyond. This includes working on cost reduction projects and managing design changes for vehicle model development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Daily collaboration with our expert teams across Nissan, including Design, Supply Chain, Finance, and Engineering, to ensure the highest standards in supply chain and optimum cost-effectiveness for customers
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conducting regular cost analysis and internal reporting of key cost information, while also providing project-specific insights to stakeholders to support decision-making
• Supplier Site Visits: Travel to supplier locations as part of ongoing relationship management to ensure efficiency, inspect operations, and ensure adherence to Nissan’s strict quality standards
• Sourcing & Negotiation: Engage in sourcing new vehicle parts, equipment, and services, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible deals for Nissan and our customers

From the start of your scheme you will be supported through a comprehensive training and mentoring programme, covering both business and soft skills such as presentation training and communication. You will also have access to our vast learning platforms for onward learning in role-specific and technical areas, as well as allowance for on-the-job training in areas of particular relevance

We believe in creating a positive and inclusive culture for all our employees. You will enjoy placement-specific platforms and support groups, as well as the opportunity to be involved in engagement initiatives such as our wellbeing and CSR programmes

Entry Requirements

You must hold or expect to achieve the following qualification(s): Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree graded 2:1 or above in a relevant field. Perhaps you are considering a career move to a more collaborative and fast-paced, multi-national environment following initial post-graduate positions.

Please note the successful candidate is expected to commence employment in January 2027 and we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Sponsorship may only be available if the role becomes permanent in January 2029. Applicants must therefore have an existing and independent right to work in the UK for the duration of the fixed-term position.

Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical skills and data-driven approach to problem-solving to enable you to lead best decision making around sourcing and supplier relationships
• Thrive in an environment where you deal with a variety of people and departments every day, using your communication and negotiation skills to collaborate effectively with others and achieve the best results for the business
• Love to be a part of a team with close project-working, where you will be responsible for handling multiple workstreams daily, using effective time management skills with a proactive attitude to your work
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in the fast-paced, dynamic automative manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel
• You must be willing to travel and be geographically mobile

What we offer

• Competitive base salary starting at £35,967.91
• Remote Working Policy (maximum 2 days per week WFH)
• Flexible Working Options 39 hours per week
• NTCE Standard Working Hours: Mon - Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm
• NMUK Standard Working Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:55am - 4.40pm, Fri 7.55am - 2.25pm
• 2+/- flexible hour adjustments (Subject to manager approval)
• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Free Private Medical Cover
• Nissan Car Ownership and Finance Scheme
• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant
• Onsite Gym Facilities

At Nissan we believe that diversity gives us strength and is key to the success of our business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and have a range of Talent initiatives in place, such as high potential development, leadership, and career coaching to support our female workforce. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business; we want you to challenge the norm and contribute to improvement whether you’ve been here ten days or ten years, so to join Nissan!

Diversity and Inclusion: All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Please note, it is a mandatory requirement to include your CV with your application. A cover letter may be submitted at your discretion.

Cranfield Bedfordshire United Kingdom

Nissan is more than a car company. We are an innovation company. We take the most innovative thinking in the industry and combine it with performance, value, efficiency, safety and style. The result: Cars that thrill you every time you get behind the wheel. With over 150 million vehicles produced globally, Nissan continues with the goal to enrich the lives of our employees and customers alike.