Purchasing Manager

BGA; Swindon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Swindon is looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead their purchasing function. You will manage supplier relationships, drive cost competitiveness, and ensure purchasing activities support quality and delivery objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial skills and experience in engineering or manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. This role offers competitive salary and benefits, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Additional holidays for long service

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Purchasing Manager or Senior Buyer role within engineering or manufacturing.
• Strong commercial skills with a track record of achieving targets.
• Experience working with international suppliers, ideally in Asia and Europe.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the purchasing and sourcing strategy.
• Lead commercial negotiations and onboarding of new suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvement.

Skills

Commercial negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Job description

About Us

BG Automotive (BGA) is a trusted name in the global automotive aftermarket, supplying OE-quality engine components and steering parts to customers in over 70 countries. With a strong engineering heritage and commitment to innovation, BGA continues to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing partnerships worldwide.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead and develop our purchasing function. This is a key commercial role responsible for managing all supplier relationships, driving cost competitiveness, and ensuring that purchasing activities fully support BGA’s quality, delivery, and new product introduction objectives. Working closely with factories and suppliers around the world, you will take ownership of all purchasing activities — from supplier sourcing and negotiation to cost analysis and contract management — ensuring we deliver the best value without compromising on quality or reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement BGA’s purchasing and sourcing strategy in line with company objectives.
• Manage the global supplier base, working directly with factories across Europe, Asia, and other regions to ensure consistent quality, performance, and commercial competitiveness.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering cost, payment terms, and long-term agreements.
• Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers to support New Product Introductions (NPI).
• Review and approve supplier quotations and cost breakdowns.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct regular business reviews to drive improvement.
• Analyse market trends, material costs, and exchange rate movements to inform purchasing strategy.
• Develop departmental KPIs and continuously improve purchasing processes.
• Provide leadership and direction to the purchasing team, fostering professional growth and best practices.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Purchasing Manager or Senior Buyer role within an engineering or manufacturing business (automotive preferred).
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost and performance targets.
• Experienced in working with international factories and suppliers, ideally in Asia and Europe.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and material specifications.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Why Join BGA?

• Join a respected, fast-growing UK manufacturer with a global supplier network.
• Take ownership of a critical function and make a real impact on the company’s success.
• Work in a collaborative environment alongside technical and commercial specialists.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with long-term career development opportunities.
• 28 days holiday a year (including bank holidays)
• Additional holidays for long service