Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain Components (Automotive)

TL;DR

Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain Components (Automotive): Managing sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and procurement activities for powertrain components across complex manufacturing and engineering programmes with an accent on commercial negotiations, supplier performance, and supply chain risk. Focus on optimising cost, quality, and delivery, resolving supply issues, and supporting new product introductions in regulated engineering environments.

Location: Dunton Wayletts, South East UK; hybrid arrangement with four days onsite. The role requires candidates to be clearable and may involve security clearance.

Company

hirify.global is a global engineering and technology consultancy delivering engineering solutions across automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, rail, IT, and other industries in more than 35 countries.

What you will do

• Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with business and programme objectives.
• Lead supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and contract placement activities.
• Manage supplier relationships and improve performance across quality, cost, delivery, and risk metrics.
• Analyse markets, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and programme management stakeholders.
• Support supply chain risk mitigation, issue resolution, new product introductions, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in purchasing, procurement, commodity management, supply chain, or commercial roles.
• Experience managing suppliers and supporting sourcing activities, negotiations, and commercial decisions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational, influencing, and project management skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent military experience.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; ability to present information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to work four days onsite in Dunton and meet applicable security-clearance requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience in automotive, manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, rail, defence, industrial, or other regulated industries.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, commodity management, cost reduction, or value engineering.
• Experience with ERP or procurement management systems and supplier performance improvement.
• CIPS or equivalent professional procurement qualification.

Culture & Benefits

• Personalised career development with ongoing learning and mentoring.
• Exposure to a broad range of engineering projects and industries.
• Private medical insurance, life insurance, and pension scheme.
• Cycle and Tech Scheme and employee assistance programme.
• Social activities, regular gatherings, team-building events, and flexible working where the role permits.

Hiring process

• Security-clearance requirements and Baseline Personnel Security Standard evidence will be discussed during the interview and onboarding process.