Technical Buyer - Composites

McLaren F1 Team; Woking; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaren F1 Team is seeking a Technical Buyer to support cost-effective procurement of engineered components for racing programmes and performance upgrades.

You will join the Technical Purchasing team, collaborating with engineering, programme and supplier partners to meet critical delivery milestones and resolve day-to-day supply challenges, while driving supplier performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Relevant purchasing or supply chain experience, ideally within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting purchasing activities from RFQ through to component delivery.
• A practical understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management and purchase order administration.
• Effective negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• A relevant qualification in Engineering, Procurement or a related discipline is beneficial; motorsport or high‑performance engineering experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for allocated components or work packages, from RFQ through to delivery.
• Create and maintain accurate purchase orders, monitoring supplier delivery, quality and performance against programme requirements.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Engineers to provide procurement updates, identify risks and coordinate recovery actions.
• Maintain supplier relationships, support negotiations and provide cost, capacity and lead-time information for make-or-buy decisions.
• Help develop our supply base and improve procurement processes, focusing on reducing lead times and optimizing cost.

Skills

Purchasing experience

RFQ to delivery

Supplier management

Negotiation & stakeholders

Engineering/Procurement qualification

Motorsport experience

Education

Engineering/Procurement qualification

Job description

As a Technical Buyer, you will support the timely and cost-effective procurement of engineered components for our racing programmes and performance upgrade plans.

Working within the Technical Purchasing team, you will collaborate with engineering, programme and supplier partners to meet critical delivery milestones. You will use your purchasing expertise to resolve day-to-day supply challenges, optimise supplier performance and contribute to the continuous improvement of our procurement processes.

What You’ll Do

• Manage purchasing activities for allocated components or work packages, from request for quotation through to delivery.
• Create and maintain accurate purchase orders, monitoring supplier delivery, quality and performance against programme requirements.
• Partner with Project Managers and Engineers to provide procurement updates, identify risks and coordinate recovery actions.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships, support negotiations and provide cost, capacity and lead-time information to inform make-or-buy decisions.
• Help develop our supply base and improve procurement processes, with a focus on reducing lead times, optimising cost and strengthening delivery performance.

Company Description

At McLaren, our mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport. And everyone, in every part of the team, has a role to play. So if you want to test your ideas with the world watching... And measure your progress in milliseconds... And play your part in racing history... You belong here. High performance starts with you.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant purchasing or supply chain experience, ideally within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting purchasing activities from request for quotation through to component delivery.
• A practical understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management and purchase order administration.
• Effective negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• A relevant qualification in Engineering, Procurement or a related discipline is beneficial, as is experience in motorsport, high-performance engineering or precision manufacturing.

Personal Attributes

• A proactive, organised and solution-focused approach, with the ability to take appropriate action and seek support when needed.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and suppliers.
• Resilience and composure when managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative and accountable mindset, with a willingness to support colleagues, share knowledge and continuously improve.

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.

Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You’ll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.
Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we’re committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.