We are seeking a highly skilled Buying & Materials Manufacturing Consultant with strong experience in stock audit, supply chain operations, and manufacturing process management to support a customer in the AI operated and automated vehicles sector.
This role will be pivotal in optimising procurement strategy, materials flow, shop floor operations, and manufacturing supply chains, ensuring that all parts in and parts out processes align with cost, quality, and lead-time objectives. The consultant will also provide expertise in stock auditing, materials traceability, and supplier engagement, ensuring compliance with sector-specific standards and best practices.
Key Responsibilities
This role will be pivotal in optimising procurement strategy, materials flow, shop floor operations, and manufacturing supply chains, ensuring that all parts in and parts out processes align with cost, quality, and lead-time objectives. The consultant will also provide expertise in stock auditing, materials traceability, and supplier engagement, ensuring compliance with sector-specific standards and best practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Buying Strategy
- Develop and implement robust buying strategies for critical components and materials in the automated vehicle manufacturing process.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, lead times, and quality agreements.
- Ensure supplier compliance with sector regulations and sustainability requirements.
- Materials Management & Supply Chain
- Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, including inbound materials, inventory control, and outbound logistics to the shop floor.
- Manage parts in / parts out flows, ensuring timely and accurate material availability for production lines.
- Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams to optimise storage, handling, and distribution practices.
- Stock Audit & Compliance
- Lead stock audit processes across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Ensure accurate inventory records through reconciliation, audit trails, and system reporting.
- Implement process improvements to reduce stock discrepancies and enhance traceability.
- Manufacturing Process Management
- Work closely with production managers, engineers, and shop floor staff to align materials supply with manufacturing demand.
- Support process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve cost control.
- Provide insights into materials usage, scrap rates, and production bottlenecks.
- Consultancy & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a subject matter expert, advising leadership on materials strategy, cost optimisation, and risk management.
- Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams to align materials purchasing with new product introduction (NPI) requirements.
- Support digital transformation initiatives in materials management and supply chain visibility (ERP, MRP, MES systems).
- Proven experience as a Buying / Procurement Consultant within manufacturing, automotive, or automated vehicles sectors.
- Strong knowledge of materials management, stock audit, and inventory control systems (MRP).
- Hands-on experience with shop floor operations, supply chain logistics, and process management.
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation, cost reduction, and supply chain risk management.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
- Ability to interpret and implement industry standards and compliance requirements (e.g., ISO/TS standards for automotive).
