Senior Buyer - Powertrain

Senior Buyer – Powertrain Solihull, West Midlands Permanent | Hybrid Working | Flexible Start & Finish Times An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Buyer to join a small but growing automotive engineering and manufacturing business specialising in high-performance powertrain systems. This is a predominantly strategic purchasing role, offering the opportunity to take ownership of key commodities and play a significant part in shaping the supply chain as the business enters an exciting period of growth. You'll be responsible for sourcing and supplier management across a range of technically complex areas including electrical powertrain components, gearboxes, shafts, machined parts and assemblies. Working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams, you'll support several major programmes due to launch over the next two years, helping to build a robust, high-performing global supply chain. The Role Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, you'll lead sourcing strategies, negotiate commercial agreements and develop long-term supplier partnerships to support both current production and future programmes. This role manages a focused supplier base of around 8-10 strategic suppliers, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact and influence purchasing decisions across the business. Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies across powertrain commodities • Lead supplier selection, evaluation and rationalisation activities • Negotiate commercial agreements, contracts and pricing structures • Build and manage long-term supplier relationships on a global scale • Drive cost reduction initiatives using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) methodologies • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and sourcing for new programmes • Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations teams to ensure supply chain resilience • Lead supplier recovery activities and continuous improvement initiatives • Support Make vs Buy decisions and value engineering projects • Manage RFQs, tenders and supplier nominations for new and existing programmes What We're Looking For • Significant purchasing experience within automotive or advanced manufacturing environments • Proven experience operating at Senior Buyer level • Strong knowledge of automotive powertrain or related commodities such as: o Electrical powertrain systems o Gearboxes and transmissions o Shafts and driveline components o Machined parts and assemblies • Strong commercial and negotiation skills • Experience developing strategic supplier relationships and managing supplier performance • Knowledge of cost modelling, supplier contracts and TCO analysis • Understanding of automotive quality processes including PPAP and APQP • Experience supporting NPI programmes within a fast-paced manufacturing environment • Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems, ideally SAP What's on Offer • Hybrid working • Flexible start and finish times • The opportunity to join a small, growing business where you'll have genuine influence and visibility • A highly strategic role with ownership of key commodities and supplier relationships • The chance to work on exciting new automotive programmes and next-generation powertrain technologies • Occasional international travel If you're an experienced automotive buyer who enjoys the strategic side of purchasing and wants to play a key role in a growing business, I'd be happy to discuss the opportunity in more detail