Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities £55k West Midlands
Posted 20 hours ago by Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
To apply & learn more please contact
Are you a commercially astute procurement professional with experience across direct automotive commodities? This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact, permanent role where you will influence supplier strategy, cost performance and programme delivery for a prestige, engineering-led automotive manufacturer entering an exciting phase of growth through 2026 and beyond.
Operating within a high-performance, low-volume environment, this role offers exposure to complex, technically advanced vehicle programmes where procurement plays a genuine role in shaping outcomes. You'll support critical commodity areas such as electrical & electronics, powertrain, chassis, interior and exterior systems, working closely with engineering teams to enable the delivery of next-generation automotive technologies.
What You'll Deliver:- Developing, owning and executing robust commodity strategies aligned to future vehicle programmes.
- Managing cost claims, completing detailed cost breakdown analysis, and confidently challenging suppliers.
- Leading sourcing activity, supplier engagement and selection within your assigned commodity scope.
- Running end-to-end commercial negotiations, including pricing, terms and long term agreements.
- Structuring contracts to balance cost, risk and performance across the supply base.
- Supporting day to day purchasing operations through SAP and associated procurement systems.
- Driving supplier performance to meet demanding targets for cost, quality and programme timing.
- Acting as a key interface between Procurement, Engineering and Quality to ensure aligned decision making.
- Strong experience in direct procurement or commodity buying within automotive or engineering led manufacturing environments (aerospace, rail or advanced engineering also considered).
- Proven exposure to managing technical, high value commodities.
- Confidence operating in a fast paced, engineering centric organisation where priorities evolve quickly.
- Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and influencing senior stakeholders.
- A structured, analytical approach to cost management, risk mitigation and supplier strategy.
If you're a strategic yet delivery-focused commodity specialist who enjoys working close to engineering and wants to play a meaningful role in future vehicle programmes, this opportunity will be of strong interest.
To apply or to have a confidential discussion, please contact