Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world. 

Lotus Cars Limited is the manufacturing site of Lotus in the UK. Here we produce all sportscars types such as the Emira and the Evija. To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Head of Direct Procurement in the Purchasing Department to join us in our manufacturing plant based in Hethel. 

Summary:

An opportunity for a results-driven Procurement Leader to drive strategic purchasing initiatives within a globally recognised automotive organisation. 

This role requires a strong track record in automotive procurement, with expertise in supplier management, cost reduction, and supply chain stability. The ideal candidate will lead a high-performing team, ensuring efficient supplier nomination, cost control, and capacity management while driving continuous improvement in procurement strategy.
 

What you'll do:

• Lead and develop a high-performing purchasing team, ensuring sourcing tasks are completed on time and within budget.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies, driving year-on-year improvements.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies, aligning with the company’s global sourcing objectives.
• Manage and optimise the global supplier base, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets are met.
• Drive supplier negotiations and contractual agreements to secure the best commercial terms.
• Improve procurement procedures, ensuring compliance with Group-wide standards.
• Lead talent development, mentoring procurement professionals and driving a high-performance culture.

What you'll bring:

• Degree qualified (MCIPS preferred) with significant experience in automotive OEM or Tier 1 procurement.
• Strong track record in commodity strategy, cost control, supplier management, and negotiations.
• Commercially astute, with a data-driven approach to procurement.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience managing global supplier networks with a strong awareness of East-West cultural dynamics.
• Willingness to travel as required.

What we offer:

• We provide access to a Company Car scheme (ECOS) to make your commutes smoother! 
• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays
• Performance Bonus
• Future-Proof Pension
• Private Healthcare
• We work hybrid - meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you're needed there.

Additional Information:

• This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy
• Frequent travel will be required to visit different entities and the Customer Care Center based in Europe. Applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions
• Candidates must be eligible to work in UK without VISA sponsorship.

Our Company:

Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 75-year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV, and in 2023 our fully-electric Hyper-GT, Emeya.  

As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. 

Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship-winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.

We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation. Read more here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Lotus Cars.

Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus Cars Limited? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: https://lotusukmanufacturing.teamtailor.com/