The OEM Commercial Manager will serve as the strategic bridge between automotive manufacturers and our internal teams, driving negotiations and ensuring secure supply commitments to support our rapid scale.
This role will be based out of our Weybridge and London offices twice a week and requires occasional travel across the UK and globally.
What you'll do
* Own direct procurement activity across assigned car manufacturers, securing supply in line with procurement plans and operational targets
* Lead OEM negotiations, including pricing, volume commitments, lead times, and commercial terms, to optimise value and maintain strong relationships
* Manage day‑to‑day OEM relationships, acting as the main point of contact for all commercial and contractual discussions
* Collaborate closely with the Procurement Planning team, leveraging data and forecasts to inform negotiation strategy and supply decisions
* Escalate and resolve OEM issues quickly, maintaining strong communication channels between Procurement, Planning, and Operations
* Monitor OEM performance, identifying risks, supply constraints, and opportunities for improvement
* Build and maintain strong relationships with the dealer network, ensuring alignment between OEM supply, stock allocation, and customer delivery performance
* Support the Procurement Director in shaping supplier strategy and contributing to key business reviews and senior leadership reporting
* Collaborate with procurement planning and pricing teams for forecast accuracy, market insights, and supply data
* Partner with Dealer Operations to ensure a seamless transition from OEM order to customer delivery
* Provide feedback loops to Planning and Finance teams to maintain data accuracy and financial alignment
What you'll need
* The Hustler mindset: relentless in finding great deals, driving projects forward, and securing better pricing, stock, or commercial perks
* Procurement & OEM Expertise: proven experience in direct procurement or supply‑chain management in the automotive industry or with major OEMs and dealer networks
* Master Negotiator: strong track record in leading complex commercial negotiations, managing high‑stakes contracts, and securing optimal terms
* Data‑Driven Mindset: highly analytical, comfortable turning forecasts, market insights, and supply data into purchasing strategies
* Exceptional Relationship Builder: superior communication skills at all levels, acting as a bridge between external manufacturers, dealers and internal teams
* Proactive Problem Solver: sharp eye for supply‑chain risks, bottlenecks and resilient action‑orientation to resolve issues quickly
* Commercial Acumen: solid understanding of finance and business strategy, aligning procurement plans with financial goals and growth targets
Valid UK driving licence required
Octopus is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute and are committed to providing an inclusive work environment and fairness for everyone.
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