Buying Manager

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Buying Manager is responsible for overseeing and driving the wholesale procurement strategy of used vehicles to meet business objectives. This job manages a team of buyers, sets sourcing strategies, and ensures the acquisition of high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. The Buying Manager plays a critical role in ensuring profitability, optimising inventory turnover, and supporting wholesale growth through strategic sourcing, negotiations, and market insights.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Buying & Market Intelligence:

• Define and implement the wholesale purchasing strategy in alignment with organisational objectives.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, pricing shifts, and demand cycles to guide buying decisions.
• Identify high-demand models for wholesale trade and develop sourcing strategies to secure them. Oversee regular benchmarking of competitor pricing and vehicle availability.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build, maintain, and expand strong relationships with auction houses, fleet operators, leasing companies, dealerships, and wholesalers.
• Negotiate bulk purchase agreements, long-term supply contracts, and favourable commercial terms.
• Resolve disputes or discrepancies related to vehicle conditions, documentation, or pricing.

Procurement & Inventory Optimization:

• Supervise the sourcing, inspection, and acquisition of vehicles for wholesale resale.
• Ensure vehicles meet wholesale quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Assess reconditioning and repair costs to optimize profitability in wholesale trade.
• Manage wholesale budgets, ensuring cost-efficient and profitable purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with sales teams to align vehicle mix with wholesale demand.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and inspectors, ensuring high performance and capability building.
• Allocate responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide training on negotiation, sourcing, and inspection techniques. • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure accuracy and compliance in vehicle documentation, including titles, registrations, and service records.
• Oversee efficient processing, logistics, and delivery of purchased vehicles into wholesale channels. Maintain accurate records of purchases, negotiations, and cost breakdowns for reporting and audit purposes.
• Ensure alignment with company policies, ethical standards, and governance frameworks.

Business Insights & Reporting:

• Provide senior management with market intelligence, supplier performance analysis, and procurement insights.
• Deliver regular reports on purchasing trends, cost savings, profitability, and supplier contributions. Support management in forecasting, inventory planning, and wholesale business development.

General:

• Uphold company values throughout business practices and utilise sound judgment in decision making.
• Any other additional duties as may be required by management based on needs of the business.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 7–10 years of experience in automotive buying, procurement, or wholesale operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven expertise in the used car market, wholesale trading, and supplier negotiations.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Automotive Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in procurement, automotive management, or supply chain are an advantage.