EU Direct Senior Purchasing Manager

AESC Group; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading battery manufacturing company in the UK is looking for a Senior Manager to lead sourcing activities for key battery components across Europe. This role involves managing a growing team, driving localization strategies, and collaborating with global purchasing. The candidate should have over 10 years of experience in procurement, particularly in automotive or battery systems, alongside strong negotiation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of strategic procurement experience in automotive or battery systems.
• Strong understanding of battery components.
• Proven experience in supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing initiatives for key components.
• Manage tenders and contract execution.
• Negotiate supply agreements and commercial terms.
• Coordinate with engineering teams for delivery.

Skills

Strategic procurement experience

Supplier relationship management

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Fluency in English

Skills in Microsoft Excel

Proficiency in Power BI

Education

Degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

SAP

Job description

We’re seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior Manager to lead sourcing activities for battery pack and module components across our European operations. This role is pivotal in shaping the supply chain for our next‑generation gigafactories and driving localization efforts across the EU.

You’ll manage a growing team currently based in the UK and France, with future expansion planned in Spain. The team currently includes four direct reports, with potential to scale further.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing initiatives for critical mechanical, electrical, and electro‑mechanical components
• Manage tenders, supplier evaluations, and contract execution
• Negotiate commercial terms and long‑term supply agreements
• Collaborate with Global Purchasing to align strategies and develop supplier capabilities
• Coordinate with engineering and project teams to ensure specification alignment and timely delivery
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues, including claims and change orders
• Drive cost optimization and support EU localization strategies

Qualifications

• 10+ years of strategic procurement experience, with a strong emphasis on mechanical/electro‑mechanical components—ideally within automotive, ESS, or battery systems sectors.
• Strong understanding of battery components and their role in manufacturing
• Degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Proven experience in supplier relationship management and contract negotiation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Asian languages (especially Chinese) is a plus
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI, and SAP
• Willingness to travel regularly within the EU and occasionally to Asia

Seniority level: Not Applicable

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Purchasing

Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing and Services for Renewable Energy