Technical Buyer

Prodrive Composites Ltd; Banbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motorsport company in the UK is seeking a Technical Buyer to drive procurement decisions and sourcing strategies for complex components. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant discipline and experience in technical purchasing, especially in Motorsport or advanced engineering. Responsibilities include interpreting technical drawings, engaging with suppliers, and managing component lifecycles. The role offers competitive salary and benefits, including training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Attractive salary

25 days holiday

Training opportunities

Salary sacrifice schemes

Paid volunteer time

Social events

Company discounts

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Experience in technical purchasing within Motorsport or advanced engineering.
• Confidence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Calm and decisive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications accurately.
• Hold credible technical discussions with engineers and suppliers.
• Challenge assumptions constructively to balance technical risk, lead time, and cost.

Skills

Technical purchasing experience

Engineering drawing interpretation

Supplier relationship management

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

ERP or purchasing systems experience

Analytical and solution-focused approach

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

At Prodrive we believe there’s no limit to what can be achieved when the brightest minds come together. Joining one focused and driven team, you will challenge boundaries in order to change the game for our customers. We are the world’s leading independent motorsport company and the business behind some of the greatest names and achievements in motorsport over the last 40 years.

We are looking for a Technical Buyer to provide technically credible procurement capability, translating engineering intent into effective sourcing decisions and supplier execution. This role applies engineering literacy, commercial judgement and experience to deliver complex, low-volume components under demanding time and performance constraints. You will be able to work autonomously within delivery or programme team - engaging with a range of stakeholders from commercial, programme team, engineering and at most levels within the supplier base.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical requirements accurately.
• Hold credible technical discussions with engineers and suppliers.
• Apply understanding of manufacturing processes and constraints to sourcing decisions.
• Challenge assumptions constructively to balance technical risk, lead time and cost.
• Own assigned components through the full lifecycle from sourcing to receipt and use.
• Anticipate supply, quality or technical risks and act early to prevent failure.
• Ensure parts arrive on time, to specification and fit for purpose.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data reflecting technical, commercial and delivery reality, including price, lead time and invoice resolution.

Who are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate will have experience in technical purchasing within Motorsport or advanced engineering, backed by a degree in a relevant discipline. You will be confident reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications, be technically credible and trusted by engineers and suppliers, and remain calm and decisive under pressure. You will have a practical understanding of relevant manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, fabrication, composites) and have experience using ERP or purchasing systems in a fast‑paced technical environment. With a good working knowledge of should‑cost to inform sourcing and negotiation decisions, you will be comfortable making judgement calls with incomplete information, and have a proactive, analytical and solutions‑focused approach.

What can we offer you?

• An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact
• 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days
• Training opportunities for continuing professional development
• Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes
• Paid time off for volunteering
• Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert
• Social events throughout the year
• Exclusive company discounts
• Life assurance

We are an equal opportunities employer

At Prodrive we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application.