SUMITOMO ELECTRIC WIRING SYSTEMS (EUROPE) LTDAND SUMITOMO ELECTRIC GROUP
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems (Europe) Ltd employ over 30,000 people across Europe and North Africa.Automotive engineering is our industry, and we are proud of the diverse team of world-class engineers and support staff who work at the highest level to provide products and services to our customers. Our people are our greatest asset and respect for human resources is a fundamental principle of the Sumitomo Business Spirit.
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. is a recognized global technology leader with over 280,000 employees working at around 415 subsidiaries and affiliates in over 40 countries worldwide.
Buyer
Type of contractPermanent
Place of Work
SEWS-E HQ, Staffordshire, UK
Job Duties and Responsibilities
To be responsible for the purchase of raw material used within SEWS-E’s manufacturing process. Within this role the Buyer will be responsible for a number of suppliers and will ensure that all purchasing requirements are met to enable the supplier to deliver material as required by SEWS-E manufacturing sites.Tasks will include but not be limited to:
üResponsible for various automotive commodities covering a global supply base, compromising direct and indirect purchases
üIdentify and investigate potential alternative suppliers where appropriate to reduce business risk
üEvaluate bids, select, recommend suppliers as well as negotiate pricing, delivery, quality and service
üFollow up on awards until completion of order
üWhen necessary, negotiate and settle with suppliers regarding rejections, losses, return of materials etc.
üTargeted year-on-year cost reductions
üReview and process purchase requisitions to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Assist accounting staff in resolving invoice discrepancies
üLeading purchasing activities for project: for mass production parts and parts in development for the project
üCarry out other comparable duties as required by the line manager
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required
üExperience in the automotive industry
üKnowledge of plastic and rubber parts
üTechnical understanding regarding goods, ideally W/H industries
üUnderstanding of the manufacturing constraints
üGood communication negotiation and problem-solving skills
üComputer literate in MS Project, and systems including MRP
üFluent written and spoken English
Special Conditions
The existing right to live and work in the UK
Competencies Required
üSafe and ethical working
üQuality
üCustomer and commercial focus
üTechnical capability
Job Related Competencies
üPersonal organisation
üCommunication
üAttention to detail
üFlexibility
üCommercial awareness
üTenacity

The Sumitomo Electric Group is a global network of 421 group companies in more than 40 countries. Established in 1897 with the founding of Sumitomo Electric in Osaka, Japan, the company initially focused on copper wire production for electric power cables. Today, we have diversified into five major business segments: environment and energy, infocommunications, automotive, electronics, and industrial materials. More than 280,000 people are employed at group companies worldwide.
Sumitomo Electric is committed to innovation and excellence. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported net sales of over $31 billion and invested $1 billion in research & development. Focus areas for R&D include next-generation mobility, advanced materials, and energy solutions—areas that reflect the company’s commitment to pioneering technologies that drive sustainable growth and address global challenges.
Sumitomo Electric maintains a stable financial position that is recognized by major credit rating agencies.
For more information about Sumitomo Electric, please visit our corporate website at https://sumitomoelectric.com
Sumitomo Electric's social media policy can be viewed at https://sumitomoelectric.com/smp