Senior Buyer – Transmissions

Overview

In this role, you will manage multimillion-pound portfolios and own supplier strategies for the transmission function within a fast-growing automotive environment. You will lead supplier negotiations, drive cost-reduction initiatives, and ensure readiness for series production through robust pre-launch activities. You’ll influence cross-functional teams, mentor buyers, and shape procurement processes to support on-time, on-cost high-quality product delivery. This is a chance to influence best-in-class performance in a renowned innovator.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance
• Sabbatical up to one year after two years’ service

Responsibilities

• Manage multimillion-pound supplier portfolios and long-term strategies within the function group
• Lead supplier nominations, contracts, and commercial negotiations
• Resolve critical supply issues and report status to project teams
• Minimise costs, project risks, and supplier-related threats to on-time delivery
• Drive cost-down and VA/VE activities with suppliers
• Lead pre-launch supplier management for series readiness
• Develop supplier evaluation methods and drive performance improvements
• Ensure timely parts requirements align with supplier lead-times
• Execute management reporting and develop business operating systems
• Budgetary control of cost centres and governance of procurement activities
• Mentor and develop buyers, share best practices, and foster cross-functional collaboration
• Engage with Engineering and act as a key stakeholder to influence decisions
• Set objectives and monitor supplier and cross-functional performance

Key requirements

• Proven ability to lead negotiations for large, complex projects
• Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills
• Automotive or manufacturing commercial experience preferred
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Calm under pressure with decisive authority
• Drive for Best in Class performance
• Structured, objective decision-making and problem-solving approach
• High self-motivation and resilience
• Results-driven with ability to meet aggressive targets
• Flexible working hours and practices
• Experience in launch management / new model integration
• Lead role in contract implementation and management
• Knowledge of manufacturing and quality processes
• Proven supply chain management and procurement experience
• Experience with new product introductions (min. 2 cycles)
• MCIPS qualified

• Influencing and negotiation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Mentorship and leadership
• Supplier negotiations
• Contract management
• Cost estimating and benchmarking

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