Senior Buyer – Procurement / Production in Guildford, Surrey

Senior Buyer - Procurement / Production

Job reference number: 709

Key elements of the Technical Procurement & Production Function are to operate in a 'Strategic Technical Buying' role, responsible for sourcing and purchasing a wide range of technical components for programs of work being undertaken by the Company. The role is also responsible for sourcing and vetting technical suppliers, obtaining quotations, and ensuring delivery of purchased parts to the required quality, on time and to budget.

Responsibilities

• Source/engage appropriate Suppliers and manage RFI / RFQ documentation.
• Provide technical purchasing guidance and direction to all divisions and personnel within the Company.
• Identify & deliver stockholding, cash flow, & capital employed improvement opportunities.
• Problem solving and resolution, in conjunction with the Finance department of any invoice queries.
• In conjunction with the Engineering function (in particular prototype build), assume responsibility for providing Project Managers with accurate information relating to product availability and product lead times.
• Responsible for providing production personnel with accurate information relating to the availability of goods and services and lead times. Also, to assist in resolving issues and general queries.
• Responsible for all aspects of supplier performance and associated KPIs (on time delivery, right first time in full, non-conformance, etc).
• Form the single point of contact for all technical Purchasing matters and queries, interacting with technical Suppliers as necessary.
• Attend internal meetings as required, and in general to contribute to and support Gordon Murray Automotive Limited events, activities, and publications.
• Undertake other necessary, reasonable duties and appropriate tasks as may be required, and/or work of a higher priority.
• Carry out relevant industry research and keep up to date with the latest technologies and associated statutory requirements, ensuring that the Company is in compliance.
• Placing of orders on Suppliers for all technical spend and ensure all Purchase Orders are processed and approved using the internal Purchase Requisition system.
• Where appropriate support the Design, Engineering and Finance functions in conducting "Make or Buy" analyses.
• Ensure effective supervision of any subcontractor activity as required.
• Establish and manage supplier relationships, with overall responsibility for spend for the procurement of technical goods and services. This will necessitate direct and frequent contact with suppliers, building up working relationships accordingly.
• Negotiate purchase agreements, review existing supply agreements and set up new supply agreements, ensuring that commercial terms are optimised and any risks highlighted. Review Terms & Conditions of purchase to ensure appropriate protection for the business.
• Act as the Company 'Cost Reduction Champion' for technical spend, identify, and deliver cost down opportunities with incumbent and new suppliers and ensure this is not to the detriment of quality, service and other performance metrics.
• Undertake value analysis, maintain awareness of market trends, technology, product uses, processes and development and seek and arrange trials for alternative materials or suppliers that may offer benefits/improvements.
• In conjunction with the Project Management, Design and Engineering divisions of the business, utilise the businesses information systems and personal skills/experience to ensure effective supply and control of goods and materials to enable production personnel to achieve planned work.
• Periodically review current Supplier base and identify opportunities for improvement and Supplier consolidation.
• Business continuity: review dependency on specific suppliers and identify/establish appropriate contingency plans.
• Development & Implementation of commodity strategies.
• In conjunction with the Directors and the Finance Department, assist in the preparation of annual budgets.
• Conduct reviews and promote effective communication between Styling, Design, Engineering, Procurement, EDM and Workshop.
• At all times to work in such a way as to promote equal opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with the Health, Safety and Environmental Policy requirements within your areas of responsibility.
• Share knowledge and experience with peer groups in other project teams.
• Ensure that your technical knowledge and expertise is kept up to date.
• Identify and highlight any areas for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and support professional development of staff, particularly junior staff
• Presentation of management reports for the Senior Management Team.
• Where appropriate and in conjunction with the Directors, carry out investment appraisal & payback on investment in tooling and capital equipment.
• Deploy and potentially own parts of the relevant ISO9001 process: define, document and implement the process as required.

• Automotive experience within a Purchasing Body commodity group (> 5years) i.e. Body Exterior, Panels & Closures, Paint finish, Body structures (Metallic/Composite)
• Accountable, Responsible, Reliable, Decision maker.

Disclaimer:

This vacancy is being advertised by Optamor Limited. Optamor is a specialist Recruitment Process Outsourcing provider. We provide a flexible full recruitment solution which takes care of all recruitment requirements from planning to on-boarding. Our specialist recruitment divisions cover the entire technical arena, including some of the most economically and strategically important industries in the UK and the world today. We will never send your CV without your permission.