Forseven, a revolutionary company is looking to transform the EV industry through cutting-edge technology and innovative engineering practices, are seeking a Senior Buyer to join our highly skilled and dynamic Purchasing team.
The role involves strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimisation for the procurement of materials, components, and services. This position supports the organization’s overall business goals by ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply chain while maintaining high quality and delivery standards.
As a Senior Buyer, you will serve as the primary point of contact between Forseven and its suppliers, playing a pivotal role in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and supporting new product launches. The role also requires collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, finance, sustainability and logistic) to achieve project and business objectives.
The role will operate in a hybrid capacity out of our offices in Leamington Spa where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most visionary minds in the automotive field.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become part of a scale-up, where your contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our forward-thinking company. With its rapid growth trajectory and dynamic nature, FORSEVEN offers you an exceptional platform to help drive strategy as we expand into new horizons
Requirements
What you will do:
* Lead the procurement activities for assigned projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives.
Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for project components and materials based on project requirements, quality standards, cost targets and supplier capabilities.
* Conduct negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards. Manage contracts throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
* Monitor project budget and expenses related to procurement activities. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimise project costs without compromising quality or timelines.
* Identify potential risks related to procurement activities and develop mitigation plans to minimise impact on project objectives. Proactively address issues and challenges to ensure project continuity.
* Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, finance, quality, sustainability and logistics, to ensure alignment of procurement activities with project requirements and timelines.
* Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, implementing best practices and process enhancements to optimise efficiency and effectiveness.
What you will have:
* Approximately 5-10 years of procurement experience, preferably within the automotive or manufacturing industry
* Proven track record of strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation
* Experience with direct materials' (e.g raw materials, automotive components, assemblies) and indirect materials
* Deep understanding of automotive OEM supply chain processes and standards.
* Experience with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
* Familiarity with materials used in automotive production (e.g., metals, plastics, electronics).
* Strong experience in supplier evaluation, onboarding, and performance management.
* Capability to develop long-term supplier relationships.
* Expertise in managing cost-saving initiatives and supply chain risks.
* Experience managing procurement projects for automotive programs, including APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).
* Exposure to new product launches in a fast-paced environment.
* Compliance and Quality: Familiarity with IATF 16949 (automotive quality management system) and other regulatory standards. Experience ensuring supplier adherence to quality standards and delivering parts on time.
* Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
* Technology Proficiency: Proficient in using MS Office, especially Excel for analysis and SOP.
* Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for supplier visits and audits (typically 10-20%).
Benefits
At Forseven, we are more than just a team of professionals; we are dynamic innovators, visionary collaborators and trailblazers who believe in making a difference. Our passion lies in revolutionising the electric vehicle industry through our cutting-edge advancements and sustainable solutions that aim to transform the way transportation is perceived.
Currently operating under stealth mode, our focus is entirely directed towards achieving excellence as pioneers in creating sustainable mobility solutions which will help shape the future of transportation. We're looking for enlightened individuals who possess an unwavering passion, relentless drive, and insatiable curiosity to question conventional norms and push beyond perceived limitations