Lead Buyer | Tier 1 Automotive

Lead Buyer - Special Projects | £Multi-Billion Tier One Automotive | c.£55 - £70k | Surrey / Berkshire / Hampshire (Hybrid)
To apply please contact Oskar at

Are you ready to take your procurement expertise to the next level in a fast-paced, high-performance environment? Seize this standout opportunity to join a highly regarded £Multi-Billion Tier One Automotive firm with an ever-growing and high performing procurement function.

This prestigious market leading organisation seeks a Lead Buyer responsible for sourcing for an exciting new program within their high-end vehicles portfolio. This job represents a fantastic opportunity to devise and implement effective category strategies across new vehicles, engineering, technologies, and commodities.

This is your chance to work at the forefront of automotive innovation, contributing to cutting-edge programmes while driving efficiency, cost savings, and supplier excellence. If you're passionate about procurement, negotiation, and delivering high-impact results, please apply via this job advert!

The firm is offering c.£55k - £70k and flexible hybrid working out of Surrey / Berkshire / Hampshire (2x office days per week).

Lead Buyer Responsibilities:

• Shape Procurement Strategies: Work closely with the Commodity Procurement team to develop and refine Category Strategies that align with new programme requirements, ensuring they are up-to-date, relevant, and delivered on time.
• Deliver Best-in-Class Sourcing: Lead the RFQ process with a strategic mindset, maintaining competitive tension to achieve the best commercial and technological outcomes while ensuring programme timelines are met.
• Analyse and Optimise Costs: Interrogate supplier RFQ responses to ensure comprehensive, like-for-like comparisons that provide the best total cost picture, empowering Commodity Procurement for final negotiations.
• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong relationships with Engineering teams, ensuring a unified approach in supplier interactions that drives optimal cost and technology solutions for new programmes.
• Ensure Seamless Project Execution: Partner with Procurement Project Managers to ensure procurement activities remain on track and aligned with programme timelines.

Lead Buyer Desired Background:

• A degree in Business or Engineering (preferably Automotive, Aerospace, or Mechanical) is desirable but not essential.
• CIPS/MCIPS qualification (or equivalent) is preferred.
• A deep understanding of procurement functions and processes, with hands-on experience managing multi-national suppliers.
• A minimum of three years' experience as a Sourcing Specialist, Purchaser, Buyer, or Senior Buyer in an Automotive OEM, First-Tier Supplier, or a manufacturing business.
• A strong track record of delivering procurement activities for new programmes, ensuring alignment with category strategies and driving cross-functional collaboration with Engineering.
• A seasoned negotiator, experienced in leading and delivering multi-million-pound supplier agreements-setting the standard for procurement excellence.

Would you like to seize this unique opportunity and progress your career? To find out more and apply please send your CV to Oskar at or directly through this page.

Key Skills:Strategic Sourcing, Sourcing, Sourcing Manager, Sourcing Specialist, Buyer, Senior Buyer, Procurement, Procurement Specialist, Direct Procurement, Direct Commodities, Automotive, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Defence, Vehicles.

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