ALTEN
Direct Commodity Buyer – Powertrain components
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ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.
Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.
Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Direct Commodity Buyer to join a dynamic purchasing team supporting complex manufacturing and engineering programmes within a rapidly evolving industry.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys developing sourcing strategies, driving supplier performance, and delivering value across global supply chains.
Location
Dunton
On Site
Hybrid (4x onsite)
Clearance
Clearable
Experience Level
Mid Level
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of sourcing and procurement strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure the delivery of quality products and services, on time and within budget.
- Lead sourcing activities, including supplier selection, tendering, negotiation, and contract placement.
- Monitor supplier performance and work collaboratively to drive continuous improvement across quality, cost, and delivery metrics.
- Identify opportunities to optimise costs, improve efficiencies, and maximise value throughout the supply chain.
- Support commercial negotiations and contribute to achieving business and programme targets.
- Analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform procurement decisions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and programme management.
- Support risk identification and mitigation activities within the supply chain.
- Ensure procurement activities are conducted in line with company policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
- Prepare and maintain purchasing documentation, reports, and performance metrics.
- Contribute to new product introductions, programme delivery, and business improvement initiatives where required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Support issue resolution and escalation management to minimise business impact and ensure continuity of supply.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across the supplier network.
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Qualifications
Required Skills
- Minimum 3 years' experience within a Purchasing, Procurement, Commodity Management, Supply Chain, or Commercial role.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and supporting sourcing activities.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, and risk considerations.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Experience working within cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to present information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.
- Willingness to travel as required to support suppliers and business needs.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
Desirable Skills
- Experience within automotive, manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, rail, defence, industrial, or other regulated industries.
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, or commodity management principles.
- Experience supporting supplier performance improvement initiatives.
- Understanding of cost analysis, cost reduction programmes, and value engineering methodologies.
- Experience participating in supplier negotiations and contract discussions.
- Familiarity with supply chain risk management and supplier assessment processes.
- Experience using ERP, purchasing, or procurement management systems.
- Understanding of production, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
- Degree qualified in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Professional procurement qualifications (CIPS or equivalent) would be advantageous.
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Additional Information
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle & Tech Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
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