Job Description — Vehicle Purchasing Specialist
Employer: Speedhouse Ltd
Location: Lancashire / Hybrid (field & office)
Reports to: Director
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Remuneration: Competitive package, OTE £70,000+ (uncapped commissions)
About Speedhouse
Speedhouse is a fast-growing UK dealership specialising in Premium, Luxury, Prestige, Performance and Commercial vehicles. We acquire the highest-quality stock, prep to exacting standards, and retail with pace and discipline.
Role Purpose
Own the sourcing, appraisal, negotiation and acquisition of vehicles into stock, delivering strong and reliable front-end gross margins while protecting risk and days-to-sale.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing & Pipeline
* Proactively build a deal pipeline with a focus on private sellers. Trade contacts and auctions also monitored.
* Run targeted outreach/wanted ads; nurture repeat suppliers and off-market routes.
* Strong on-camera presence with social video fluency; confident creating short-form 'we are looking for stock' videos and being the face of Speedhouse Purchasing."
* Appraisal & Valuation
* Perform on-site and remote appraisals; identify mechanical/bodywork risks and hidden costs.
* Use live market data (e.g., Auto Trader, CAP, HPI) to set sharp offers that hit ROI targets.
* Negotiation & Acquisition
* Negotiate and secure vehicles that meet margin, prep budget and stock-turn goals.
* Agree hold deposits, manage outstanding finance settlements, and close deals cleanly.
* Compliance & Paperwork
* Complete AML/KYC, HPI, ownership/title checks, invoicing (including VAT/Margin Scheme).
* Ensure accurate documentation packs (invoices, V5, proofs, receipts) and data hygiene.
* Logistics & Handover
* Arrange transport/collection, book and control recon within signed budgets/SLA.
* Work with prep and advertising roles to get cars photographed and live quickly.
* Collaboration & Reporting
* Communicate with sales, prep and management on pricing, merchandising and demand.
* Maintain records of offers, wins/losses, costs and achieved gross profit.
* Maintain live pricing on advertised stock vehicles
Skills & Experience
* Proven track record purchasing vehicles with strong, reliable gross margins (references or deal examples required)
* Deep market knowledge across Premium/Luxury/Performance and Commercial segments
* Strong sourcing initiative and network; disciplined strategy
* Excellent negotiation, objection handling and close rate
* High appraisal accuracy (paint, structure, mechanical; warranty/recall awareness)
* Professional documentation and compliance standards (AML, GDPR)
Tools & Systems
* HPI, CAP, Auto Trader (and similar market tools)
* Auction platforms (e.g., MW, CW, BCA)
* CRM/spreadsheet competence; digital document handling
Qualifications & Requirements
* Full, clean UK driving licence
* Minimum of 5 years experience within the automotive industry in sales or purchasing roles.
* Comfortable travelling for inspections/collections; occasional evenings/weekends/bank holidays as required
* References to verify purchase volumes and margin performance
Working Pattern & Benefits
* Hybrid & flexible hours with field autonomy
* Business use of demo vehicles (policy applies) and mileage/fuel for business travel
* 20 days holiday + bank holidays, pension
* Company phone/laptop, paid access to valuation/auction tools
* Supportive, performance-oriented team with progression opportunities
Probation & Notices
* Probation: 6 months (with structured support and KPI targets)
* Notice periods per contract; commission/bonus plan and quality gates documented in a schedule
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,000.00-£100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Have you worked for an Automotive retail business in sales or purchasing within the last 2 months?
* How many years experience have you had in a professional vehicle purchasing role?
* Are you currently in a professional vehicle purchasing role?
* What purchasing margin targets are you used to working towards?
* I have 3 vehicles I'm looking to sell - the details are as follows.... what price would you expect to offer me if you were in a purchasing role?
* 2025/25 Land Rover Defender Hard Top - X-Dynamic HSE
* Reg - C111EWS
* Miles
* Full Service History / Perfect Condition / Rear Seat Conversion fitted
* 2022/72 Porsche Carrera GTS
* Reg - P9APG
* Miles
* reasonable condition, tyres required, FSH, £14k spec
* 2020/20 BMW M2 Competition
* Miles 17,950
* LB20WJV
* good condition, FSH, Good Spec, Black
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lancashire BB1 9EY