Caudwell Marine is a start-up engineering company, financially backed by John Caudwell, developing an innovative, patented outboard motor and Vessel Control System.
The Caudwell Marine organisation is a small but growing, experienced team of people who are passionate about successfully bringing this technologically leading outboard motor to market. Each team member has a ‘hands on’ approach and supports each other for the benefit of the programme.
The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading procurement and supply chain activities for Caudwell Marine (CM). This is a dynamic and flexible role that requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Supplier Development, Supplier Quality, and Engineering. The role reports into the Procurement Manager and supports achieving Caudwell Marine’s overall business objectives.
The Senior Buyer will establish and maintain a stable, efficient, and effective supply chain for their assigned commodity or segment. This includes ensuring that Bill of Materials (BOM) costs align with business targets and delivering cost competitiveness.
In addition, the role involves defining and executing a roadmap for cost reduction initiatives, focusing on key components and technologies within the assigned area of responsibility.
Responsibilities:
* Identify potential suppliers and work to form mutually beneficial long-term partnerships with Caudwell Marine.
* Work with Engineering and other relevant functions to assess and nominate suppliers based on current and future needs for Caudwell Marine.
* Negotiate best possible parts and tooling costs, using Total Cost of Ownership methodology.
* Negotiate best possible contract terms by exception, using CM standard General Purchase Conditions.
* Own formal nomination process to develop stable and effective Supply Chain, where cost base and contract terms meet Caudwell Marine needs.
* Monitor supply performance and take action to expedite parts as required to support business operations and meet customer needs.
* Develop the supply base to ensure they fulfil the Caudwell Marine requirements across the key metrics, to include cost, delivered quality, on time delivery performance and continuous improvement as a minimum.
* Carry out Supplier Assessments (remote & onsite), Implementation of Lean, Best in Class Quality, Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP) & Advanced Parts Quality Planning (APQP) in conjunction with Supplier Development function.
* Participate in BoM-wide Value Add / Value Engineering activities.
* Develop and implement the appropriate metrics to measure and improve Supplier Commercial, Quality and Delivery Performance.
* Monitor suppliers’ adherence to ECN (Engineering Change Notification) & PCN (Process Change Notification) systems.
* Provide input to and support execution of Supply Chain Strategy.
* Provide input to and support execution of Cost Reduction Road map, Product Lifecycle Management & BOM Systems.
Previous Experience:
* At least 5 years’ experience in Procurement & Supply Chain in a Manufacturing environment.
* Longer experience will be valued as will demonstratable experience of running / managing Supply Chains with powertrain suppliers.
* Experience of (but not limited to) powertrain, machined parts, cast or forged parts, fabrications, injection mouldings, rubber and metal components, including A-surface parts.
* Experience in & good understanding of ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ methodology
* At least 2 years in a ‘blue chip’ manufacturing / engineering organisation where ‘automotive level’ procurement and supply chain processes and practices have been demonstrated.
* Ideally has also worked in a Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) and is able to demonstrate the ability to ‘roll their sleeves up’ and personally get things done as part of a small team.
* Experience in reviewing and negotiating supplier contracts.
Personal Attributes:
* High integrity, strong communicator, and proven relationship builder across all levels
* Solid procurement and supply chain expertise with strong commercial and analytical acumen
* Results-driven, customer-focused mindset with a proactive, “can-do” attitude
* Highly organised with the ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, and work independently or collaboratively
* Process-oriented with a continuous improvement approach, including supplier cost analysis, negotiation, and systems proficiency (Excel, MRP)
Qualifications:
CIPS (preferred)
Degree qualified or equivalent by experience
Additional Information:
Location: Coventry
Working Hours & Hybrid Policy: The standard working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We offer a hybrid working arrangement, requiring three days in the office, including a mandatory in-office day on Wednesdays, and two days working from home. Flexibility may be required based on business needs.
5-day working week