Artifex Interior Systems is pleased to confirm the below opportunity within our business:
Senior Programme Buyer – Europe
Main purpose of the job
• Act as the primary Procurement interface to Product Development, ensuring sourcing, cost, quality and timing targets are delivered. This is a key role in delivering the new vehicle whole lifecycle plan and offers a unique and challenging experience with business-wide exposure and development.
• In your role as Senior Programme Buyer, you'll be the go-to Procurement contact for the programme as well as representing the Procurement function at the daily and weekly programme meetings. You will drive programme procurement delivery, ensuring suppliers meet cost and timing commitments, and will also need to ensure the supply chain delivers against the programme build dates and that any supply issues are resolved. This will involve being able to identify and strategically overcome potential roadblocks through cooperation and influence at all levels.
Main missions and results
RFI & RFQ Ownership for Automotive Programmes
• Define procurement inputs and ensure sourcing strategy is integrated into early programme planning.
• Lead end-to-end Procurement adherence to customer RFI/RFQ processes for components and systems.
• Keep the Procurement Leadership & Programme team informed of any potential risks to plan and ensure mitigation plans are put in place.
• Represent Procurement in Programme Gateway reviews.
Procurement Data Management & Reporting
• Maintain accurate cost status (BOM, investment, cost‑down roadmap) and provide validated procurement data for programme gateways.
• Ensure open, honest communication with all stakeholders, sharing risks, delays and dependencies promptly and respectfully.
• Ensure that all payment terms and LTAs are in line with those with the customer, or better.
• Ensure procurement inputs are aligned with engineering release schedules and programme timing requirements.
Programme Delivery & Industrialisation Support
• Ensure supplier sourcing and readiness meet all programme milestones (SORP, SOP, PPAP and engineering release timing).
• Identify commercial and timing risks early and drive mitigation actions to protect programme delivery.
• Together with the Procurement team, coordinate early supplier involvement to support design-to-cost (DTC), manufacturability, and lightweighting or electrification objectives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in an inclusive, open manner, ensuring all contributors feel supported in delivering programme outcomes.
Continuous Improvement & Best Practice
• Develop and review KPI tracking tools, driving lessons learned and continuous improvement across programme phases.
• Support and champion digitalisation of procurement processes, analytics, and reporting tools across the purchasing function.
• Support the development and documentation of new programme procedures and policies.
Preferred skills and experience
• Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field; MBA or CIPS certification advantageous.
• Significant automotive purchasing experience required (OEM or Tier1 preferred).
• Proven track record managing RFI/RFQ processes for complex automotive components or systems.
• Strong understanding of automotive development processes, APQP/PPAP, and engineering change management.
• Skilled in supplier negotiation, commercial analysis, and cost breakdown evaluation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across engineering, quality, programme management, and finance; ability to communicate complex or sensitive commercial positions with clarity, respect and professionalism.
• Automotive quality & process understanding.
• Data accuracy and analytical capability.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and supplier management capability.
• Proven ability to deliver against programme timing and cost targets.
• Stakeholder influence and communication.
• Resilience, speed, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
Note: this is not an exhaustive list. All employees are expected to show flexibility and continued self-development to meet the ever-changing needs of the business. All job descriptions / vacancy notices will be subject to continual development.
Internal closing date: Friday, 10th April 2026. Please note if you apply after this date that you may still be progressed, but depending on the volume of applications we are unable to guarantee the ability to accommodate.
Artifex is an equal opportunities employer and committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are recognised.
Interested?
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV with your contact details.
If this job isn't quite what you are looking for but you are looking for a new position within Automotive, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.