Procurement & Import Specialist | Managed Solutions

A pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer is seeking an experienced and technically competent Procurement & Imports Specialist to support the development and production of the world's first purpose-built electric game-drive vehicle. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing automotive components, managing local and international suppliers, coordinating imports, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality parts at competitive costs.

This is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with Engineering, Production, Finance, Logistics, and external suppliers to support a growing manufacturing operation.

• Source automotive components, materials, assemblies, tooling, and production consumables from local and international suppliers
• Interpret bills of materials (BOMs), technical drawings, specifications, and engineering requirements to ensure accurate sourcing and purchasing decisions
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage suppliers to support operational and production requirements
• Obtain and compare quotations based on price, quality, lead time, payment terms, minimum order quantities, and supply risk
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and commercial terms with suppliers
• Issue purchase orders and manage them through to final delivery
• Manage end-to-end importation of components from international suppliers
• Coordinate freight forwarders, clearing agents, couriers, and transport providers to ensure efficient logistics execution
• Ensure commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs documentation are complete and accurate
• Monitor international shipments and proactively resolve customs, documentation, or delivery delays
• Calculate and monitor landed costs, including freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and clearing charges
• Consolidate shipments where appropriate to optimise freight costs and improve efficiency
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with local and international suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure purchased components meet specifications and manufacturing requirements
• Manage supplier quality issues, returns, replacements, and supplier claims where necessary
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, order schedules, and expected delivery dates
• Support production planning by ensuring component availability aligns with build requirements
• Identify potential shortages, supply chain risks, and disruptions, and implement corrective actions to minimise operational impact
• Assist with inventory management, stock planning, safety stock levels, and reorder point optimisation
• Provide regular reporting on open orders, supplier performance, procurement savings, inventory risks, and component shortages

• Relevant qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Commerce, or a related field
• Minimum of five years' experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain management, or a related role
• Proven experience within the automotive, vehicle manufacturing, engineering, or automotive components industry
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and purchasing components from international suppliers
• Sound understanding of automotive components, production processes, and technical specifications
• Working knowledge of international freight, customs clearance procedures, Incoterms, and landed cost calculations
• Experience working with bills of materials (BOMs), purchase orders, inventory systems, and ERP platforms
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and commercial decision-making skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and purchasing or inventory management software
• Strong planning, organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and manufacturing-driven environment
• Understanding of MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning)

• Experience sourcing components from Asia, Europe, or other major automotive supply markets
• Previous experience in a start-up, low-volume vehicle manufacturing, or rapidly scaling production environment
• Familiarity with electric vehicle technologies, including battery systems, electric drive trains, chargers, controllers, and high-voltage components
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards and supplier quality management processes
• Experience with supplier audits, demand planning, and inventory optimisation initiatives
• Membership of or certification from a…