Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities

Senior Buyer - Automotive Commodities | £55,000 + Bonus | Surrey (Hybrid)

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.

• 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