Job Description

General information

Job Title
UK Purchasing Manager
Ref #
P1008127
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Purchasing
Position level
Manager
Date
Thursday, October 30, 2025
AESC Office Location
Sunderland 2, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

Description & Requirements

AESC is a global leader in lithium-ion battery technology, powering the transition to sustainable energy. With Gigafactory's in the UK, France, China, Japan, and the US, AESC supplies advanced batteries for the automotive industry and beyond.

Role Purpose

The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for managing and optimising indirect procurement categories across the Sunderland site, with a primary focus on

waste management, cleaning, security, maintenance contracts, equipment hire, and wider facilities services

.


This role requires a

robust and resilient character

with proven automotive purchasing experience, who can challenge stakeholders, drive cost efficiencies, and secure reliable supplier partnerships while maintaining strict compliance to company policies and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead procurement activity for facilities and indirect categories (waste, cleaning, security, maintenance, equipment hire, utilities, and other site services). Negotiate and implement contracts, ensuring best value, service continuity, and risk mitigation. Develop strong supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance through KPIs and SLAs. Support operational teams with sourcing, tendering, and supplier selection for critical services. Deliver savings and process efficiencies through strategic sourcing and supplier consolidation. Manage cross-functional stakeholder engagement across Facilities, HSE, Engineering, and Finance. Ensure compliance with

Delegation of Authority, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and internal procurement processes

. Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to ensure competitiveness and innovation in supplier base. Drive sustainability initiatives in waste and energy-related categories in line with AESC's ESG goals. Support escalation management, ensuring uninterrupted site operations for production-critical services.


Qualifications
Proven experience in

indirect purchasing within the automotive or manufacturing sector

. Strong category knowledge in facilities services (waste, cleaning, security, maintenance, equipment hire). Robust negotiator with a track record of securing cost reductions and long-term value. Able to work in a

fast-paced, high-pressure environment

and handle complex stakeholder demands. Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Strong knowledge of contract management, compliance frameworks, and supplier governance. Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret data and drive strategic decisions. Degree in Procurement, Business, Engineering, or proficient experience. Fluent in English (written and verbal). Full UK driving Licence Some UK/European Travel required. CIPS or MCIPs is preferred in this role. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Power Bi and SAP would be advantageous.

Desirable Attributes

Experience in managing large-scale contracts within a multi-site or international environment. Knowledge of sustainability and waste reduction initiatives. A proactive, resilient personality with the ability to

challenge the status quo

constructively.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunity to shape the procurement strategy of a major UK Gigafactory. Exposure to international procurement best practices within a fast-growing global organisation. * Career progression opportunities across European and global operations.