Senior Programme Buyer

Senior Programme Buyer

Oxfordshire. Onsite

Automotive and motorsport sector

Strong salary, pension. 25 days holiday plus option to buy more,

Unfortunately, no sponsorship opportunity for overseas candidates

The Opportunity

This is a role at the sharp end of automotive and motorsport programme delivery.

As a Senior Programme Buyer, you will take ownership of procurement across high-performance vehicle programmes, supporting fast-paced launch environments where timing, precision, and supplier execution are critical. From early sourcing strategy through to build events and final validation, you will play a key role in ensuring every component is delivered to meet demanding programme and customer expectations.

You will act as the commercial lead within the programme, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and OEM customers to bring complex, performance-driven vehicles to life.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Programme Leadership in Launch Environments

• Lead procurement delivery across automotive and motorsport launch programmes and key commodity workstreams
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned to aggressive timing plans, cost targets, and programme risk
• Act as the primary procurement interface between internal teams, suppliers, and OEM customers
• Drive alignment across engineering, programme, quality, and manufacturing functions to ensure delivery success

Build Phases and Supplier Readiness

• Own procurement delivery across all build phases, including prototype, pre-production, and launch builds
• Ensure all parts, tooling, and documentation are in place to support build events and validation activity
• Coordinate supplier readiness for HLTO (High Level Timing Overview) and critical build milestones
• Resolve supply, tooling, and readiness issues at pace to protect programme timing

Commercial Control and Programme Ownership

• Own BOM cost, supplier commitments, and commercial agreements across the full programme lifecycle
• Maintain accurate purchasing data including price, lead times, tooling, and MOQ
• Manage cost tracking, commercial change, and invoice accuracy throughout the programme
• Identify and mitigate supply chain, capacity, and commercial risks before they impact delivery

What You Will Bring

• Strong experience in automotive purchasing within Tier-1, OEM, or motorsport environments.
• Proven experience supporting or leading procurement across vehicle or product launch programmes
• Deep understanding of OEM programme gates, sourcing processes, and supplier readiness expectations
• Experience managing tooling, supplier nomination, and programme-level commercial agreements
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, fast-moving environments with demanding timelines
• Confident working within ERP systems and programme reporting structures

Why Join

• Work on cutting-edge automotive and motorsport programmes from concept through to launch
• Be part of a high-performance environment where speed, quality, and delivery matter
• Take full ownership of procurement within complex, technically driven programmes
• Collaborate with leading engineers, suppliers, and OEM customers on high-visibility projects

Summary

This is an opportunity for a commercially sharp, delivery-focused Senior Buyer who thrives in launch environments and wants to play a key role in bringing high-performance vehicles to market.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

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