Senior Direct Buyer

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious automotive manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer for Direct Procurement to take ownership of critical commodity areas that shape the next generation of high-performance vehicles. The role involves leading supplier engagement and negotiations while ensuring quality and performance across projects. Candidates should have a strong background in direct procurement within automotive environments and excellent negotiation skills. This hybrid role offers a salary of £55k plus a bonus, making it an attractive opportunity for seasoned professionals.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in direct procurement or commodity buying within automotive or engineering-led environments.
• Proven ability managing technical, high-value commodities and complex supplier networks.
• Skilled in negotiation, supplier influence, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute commodity strategies aligned to future vehicle programmes.
• Lead supplier selection, engagement, and negotiations.
• Conduct cost breakdowns, risk assessments, and supplier performance reviews.

Skills

Direct procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical approach

Tools

SAP

Job description

Senior Buyer - Direct Procurement | Surrey (Hybrid) | £55k + Bonus
To apply & learn more please contact [e-mail]

Are you a direct procurement professional ready to make a real impact on cutting-edge vehicle programmes? Here's your chance to join a prestige, engineering-led automotive manufacturer and take ownership of critical commodity areas that shape the next generation of high-performance vehicles.

You'll operate in a fast-paced, technically advanced, low-volume environment, influencing supplier strategy, cost performance, and programme delivery. Working closely with engineering across electrical & electronics, powertrain, chassis, interior and exterior systems, you'll ensure suppliers deliver the quality, timing, and performance required for world-class vehicles.

What you’ll do:

• Own and execute commodity strategies aligned to future vehicle programmes.
• Lead supplier selection, engagement, and negotiations, securing the best outcomes in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Conduct cost breakdowns, risk assessments, and supplier performance reviews, challenging assumptions and driving improvement.
• Manage end-to-end commercial agreements, from contracts to long-term supplier partnerships.
• Partner with engineering, quality, and programme teams to ensure aligned decisions and seamless delivery.
• Maintain oversight of purchasing through SAP and other systems, supporting daily project requirements.

What you bring:

• Strong experience in direct procurement or commodity buying within automotive or engineering-led environments such as electronics, aviation or other related manufacturing industries.
• Proven ability managing technical, high-value commodities and complex supplier networks.
• Skilled in negotiation, supplier influence, and stakeholder management.
• Analytical, structured approach to cost, risk, and supplier strategy, balancing programme priorities with commercial outcomes.
• Comfortable in fast-moving, technically complex environments, where decisions directly affect high-value vehicle programmes.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your procurement expertise will directly shape supplier performance and programme success. If you’re ready to step into a role combining strategy, delivery, and influence at a senior level, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to register your interest in a confidential chat. Contact: [e-mail]