Buyer

Cosworth is a global technology business that delivers high performance engines and electronic solutions for customers in the automotive and motorsport sectors.

Our motorsport heritage gives us the knowledge and passion for innovation, performance, and reliability. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to redefine the boundaries, while striving to deliver the reliability that customers expect.

We now require a Buyer to support our growing customer base. The role would be responsible for all aspects of the sourcing, purchasing and supply of components for engineering projects, manufacturing production or sales demand within the key parameters of cost, quality, quantity and delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Control and ownership of the purchase order process from supplier sourcing and selection, purchase requisition, authorisation sign-off, and purchase order release through to delivery receipt
  • Work closely with the Engineering, Design and Quality teams in managing bought-out parts BOM components and determining a robust and objective supplier sourcing, selection and nomination process
  • Interpret technical drawings, arrange Request for Quotations (RFQ), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) documentation for preparation, distribution and quotation analysis
  • Raise, manage and administer purchase orders in SAP, ensuring part deliveries are on-time and in full in accordance to the purchasing terms and conditions as required by manufacturing demand, sales or project requirements
  • Negotiating price and delivery to meet demand and project BOM costs
  • Optimise stock levels and interpreting MRP/SAP demand
  • Continual maintenance and updating of purchasing data on SAP to support business process systems
  • Challenge ordering quantities and batch sizes to optimise costs
  • Liaise with key internal stakeholders and coordinate cross-functionally to prioritise purchase requisitions and orders
  • Continuous improvement of purchasing processes and development of cost-down and value-add initiatives
  • Monitor and maintain the financial relationship with key suppliers
  • Attend new project meetings and proactively contribute to strategic activities, ensuring all purchasing related discussions are actioned and communicated
  • Ensure compliance of all purchased parts to the required ISO/TS quality and environmental standards

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND CHARACTER

The successful candidate will have

  • Experience in high-value low-volume purchasing and/or material/inventory control
  • Demonstrable experience in managing a large and varied portfolio of parts and suppliers
  • Knowledge of interpreting and negotiating supplier quotations
  • Knowledge of the wider supply chain management process
  • Confident in understanding and communicating detailed engineering drawings
  • Self-motivation and ability to resolve conflicting priorities and manage multiple projects/demands
  • Capable of lateral thinking and able to make structured and objective decisions
  • Able to problem solve, operate intuitively and stay calm and thrive under pressure
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; able to communicate, both written and verbal at all levels across the business and to an international supplier base
  • Background in engineering desirable but not essential
  • Experience of a fast-moving automotive engineering/manufacturing environment (OEM/Tier 1 or 2), though similar competencies or demonstrable commercial success from other industries considered
  • Working experience of SAP essential
  • Computer literate in MS Office, especially competency in Excel
  • Flexible ‘can do’ pro-active attitude with the ability to integrate and work as part of a small team