Category Buyer (Directs)

Background

The world around us is experiencing significant change, the greatest in generations. 

At Motion Applied, we’re accelerating the response to that change. Our vision is that our people and technologies will pioneer a better future.  Our mission is to achieve breakthroughs in performance.

We’re at the cutting edge of innovation in industries including automotive transportation and motorsport. We create solutions that drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

We want to help to reduce the carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Our focus is on electrification and telemetry, control and analytics.

To deliver efficient lightweight electric powertrain and vehicle development; motorsport solutions that make series more sustainable and efficient; reliable connectivity solutions for transportation and insightful analytics and monitoring of transport fleets.

By applying our expertise, we deliver real benefits and pioneer a better future.

Role Overview – Purchasing to Procurement Transformation

The Category Buyer – Directs is a key role in Motion Applied’s transition from operational Purchasing to a strategic, value‑driven Procurement function.

This position is responsible for managing high‑value, high‑risk direct material categories that are critical to product quality, continuity of supply, and business growth.

Beyond placing orders, the role focuses on category strategy, supply chain resilience, supplier development, and cross‑functional collaboration, enabling Engineering, Operations, and NPI activities while building long‑term commercial advantage.

Category Scope

(Assigned based on experience and business need)

• Electronics
• Electro‑mechanical components
• Machined parts
• Fabricated / outsourced assemblies
• Raw materials

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Supply Risk Management

• Own and execute category strategies, including segmentation, TCO/should‑cost where feasible, and dual‑sourcing plans.
• Maintain risk registers and mitigation plans for critical and long‑lead components.
• Monitor market dynamics, cost drivers, and capacity risks; recommend proactive actions such as re‑sourcing, buffering, or redesign.

Sourcing, Contracting & Supplier Development

• Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP activities and define negotiation strategies with clear commercial objectives.
• Establish and manage LTAs and frameworks covering pricing, lead times, MOQs, tooling, IP, warranty, and service levels.
• Drive supplier development through QBRs, scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Engineering, NPI & Change Enablement

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Planning on DFM/C, value engineering, and cost‑down initiatives.
• Support NPI and change processes (ECR/ECO), including samples, PPAP/FAI where applicable.
• Manage obsolescence, EOL risks, and lifecycle transitions to protect continuity of supply.

Execution & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Own supplier performance within assigned categories; work closely with Buyers/Expeditors on PO execution and recovery actions.
• Ensure accurate master data (pricing, lead times, MOQs, contracts) to support planning and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing Key User to enable dashboards, KPIs, and performance visibility.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost savings, PPV, and cost avoidance vs annual plan.
• Dual‑source coverage and completion of risk mitigation actions.
• LTA and contract coverage for A/B suppliers and timely renewals.
• Supplier performance: OTD, quality (PPM), responsiveness, QBR action closure.
• NPI/ECO performance: milestone adherence, first‑time‑right approvals, ramp stability.
• Lead‑time, inventory, and resilience improvements where applicable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic sourcing, contracting, and commercial negotiation expertise.
• Supplier relationship and performance management (SRM).
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Operations.
• Data‑driven mindset with clear written and verbal communication.
• Advanced Excel; ERP/MRP; e‑sourcing tools; Power BI familiarity preferred.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience buying direct materials within complex BOM environments.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial outcomes and supplier performance improvements.
• Electronics or electro‑mechanical sourcing experience preferred.
• CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification (desirable).

Governance & Ways of Working

• Adhere to purchasing policy, ethical sourcing standards, and compliance requirements.
• Reduce administrative effort through standard work, clean data, and catalogue usage.
• Support standardised reporting cadence and QBR structures.

What we can offer you

In return for everything you bring to the table, we can ensure an exciting, challenging role in a dynamic business surrounded by some of the best people in their respective fields.

At Applied we firmly believe it’s the relationships and friendships we create while working that make us special. We’re also aware that the world is changing and we are part of that change. We all want and need different things from our work and home lives, so, if you have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us.

• Annual leave (25 days + bank holidays, pro-rated for part time colleagues).
  

• Enhanced Company Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave and pay.
  

• Flexible working policies, including Hybrid Working.
  

• Life assurance to the value of 4 times base salary
  

• Opportunity to join the Applied Pension Plan
  
• Company funded individual private healthcare with the opportunity to extend to partner or spouse and/or dependents at a discounted rate.
  
• Electric car scheme – opportunity to drive a brand-new car in a more affordable way through this salary sacrifice scheme. Employees are eligible to join the scheme after successful competition of their probationary period.

Who we are

Motion Applied (formerly McLaren Applied) are a medium-sized tech firm spun out of McLaren Group. We’re looking for people who will thrive in a non-hierarchical, growth-orientated company, self-starters who are flexible and somewhat entrepreneurial in their approach.

Applied are committed to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) and promote DEI in all we do. Motion Applied are also members of the UK Government Disability Confident Scheme