Strategic Commodity Buyer – Automotive Manufacturing

McLaren Automotive Limited; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ holiday

Enhanced company pension

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical after two years’ service

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

McLaren Automotive in Sheffield is seeking a Commodity Buyer to lead sourcing and supplier negotiations for direct materials used in in-house manufacturing. You will collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to craft commodity strategies that balance technology, cost, quality, and supply reliability.

The role requires strong procurement experience in manufacturing, ideally automotive, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and conduct risk and cost analyses.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and manage production supplier contracts for assigned commodities.
• Mitigate cost increases and drive cost reduction initiatives within scope.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to develop 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 stakeholders.
• Support risk assessment, total acquisition cost analysis, and cross-functional alignment on technical, commercial, and quality criteria.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Supplier relationship building

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Business or Engineering

MCIPS qualification desirable

Job description

McLaren Automotive in Sheffield is seeking a Commodity Buyer to lead sourcing and supplier negotiations for direct materials used in in-house manufacturing. You will collaborate with Engineering and Supplier Quality to craft commodity strategies that balance technology, cost, quality, and supply reliability.

The role requires strong procurement experience in manufacturing, ideally automotive, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and conduct risk and cost analyses.