Buyer

Job description

Grade: C2

Role reports to: Purchasing Manager

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 20th September 2016

Job purpose

Responsible for supporting the business departments in their purchasing activities ensuring that all purchasing activity is conducted in line with VWAG Purchasing Framework.

Responsible for delivery of sub-category spend and cost saving targets. Working across the business, at all levels.

Key activities will include educating the business on the procurement policy and process,   providing suitable tools for the business to use in relation to procurement activity (sourcing and managing supplier ongoing performance) and running tender activities for the business. Responsibility for delivery of sub-category spend and cost saving targets.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide commercial guidance and evidence its delivery through category strategies and third party suppliers delivered value.

2. Actively engage and shape involvement in the review, the refinement, development of the policies and procedures

3. Provide relevant training and support to functions in respect of procurement process and policy.

4. Proactive working across the business to deliver an effective advisory approach ensuring requirements are met whilst not compromising on business objectives and Purchasing compliance

5. Provide relevant training and support to the business in respect of procurement process and policy and monitor effectiveness.  Deliver ‘learning sessions’ as required.

6. Conduct spend analysis to identify saving and compliance opportunities and follow through on their delivery

7. Develop sub-category strategies and secure business approval and deliver sub-category targets.

8. Responsible for delivering timely tender and Procurement approval activities

9. Ensure supplier contracts have appropriate and stretching Service Levels and/or Key Performance Indicators focused on the delivery of class leading performance and value for money.  

10. Conduct negotiations with suppliers regarding prices and commercial terms and conditions in line with the business procurement policy and process.

11. Ensure all suppliers are selected, approved and contracted in accordance with the business purchasing policies and procedures and manage contract cost control

12. Ensure suppliers are registered on Purchasing systems and ensure sourcing activity is conducted via VWAG Purchasing designated automated platform in order to improve efficiency, savings and deliver an audit trail.

13. Build productive relationships with VWAG’s Purchasing team to ensure alignment with global Category strategies and gain support for local activity

14. Work with UK sister companies Purchasing teams on tender activity to leverage spend across categories.

15. Support  Supplier Performance Management process in designated category, Support Purchasing Manager, as required

About Us

Volkswagen Group UK is a wholly owned company of Volkswagen AG, which delivered 10.1 million cars in 2014. It has 118 production plants in 31 countries and employs more than 592,000 people worldwide who produce 41,000 vehicles a day. Volkswagen AG sells its vehicles in 153 countries.
Volkswagen Group UK is made up of five separate brands: Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, SKODA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Last year one in every five new vehicles sold in the UK was from the Volkswagen Group, that was 545,000 in total.

The Group manages all aspects of vehicle sales in the UK, from ordering to advertising and supporting our retail network. Its National Learning Centre (NLC) offers a variety of training courses to assist our retailers in the selling and maintenance of our vehicles while providing the highest quality customer service.

Desired profile

Skills

Essential:
• Strong Negotiator
• Strong numeracy skills
• Articulate communicator and presenter
• Good listening skills
• Ability to influence and  build productive relationships
• Results focused
• Highly accurate and good attention to detail
• Good stakeholder management skills
• Good planning skills
• Resilient and self-motivated
• Methodical, analytical and disciplined

Desirable:
• German language skills

Experience

Essential:
• Demonstrable experience in a purchasing role including management of suppliers
• Experience of working in a dynamic & fast paced environment
• Experience in end to end Procurement process with demonstrable strong negotiation results
• Experience of category management

Desirable:
• Multi-brand/matrix purchasing environment
• Experience at managing projects
• Online sourcing platforms
• Advanced Excel skills

Qualifications

Essential:
• MCIPS

Desirable:
• Degree level education