Strategic Sourcing Manager - Lifestyle Accessories

Forseven, a revolutionary company looking to transform the EV industry through cutting-edge technology and innovative engineering practices, is seeking a Lifestyle & Accessories Manager to join our highly skilled and dynamic Procurement team. This pivotal role will operate in a hybrid capacity out of one of our offices near Guildford or Leamington, where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most visionary minds in the automotive field.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become part of a scale-up, where your contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our forward-thinking company. With its rapid growth trajectory and dynamic nature, Forseven offers you an exceptional platform to help drive strategy as we expand into new horizons.

What you will do

• Own and lead the creation of the Lifestyle & Accessories Procurement’s requirements and expectations across the supporting internal stakeholder group, including, but not limited to Brand, Design, Product, Engineering, Supplier Quality, Sales and Distribution
• Develop Supplier and Product Strategy with Engineering and Supplier Quality to ensure we are leveraging the best technology, craftsmanship, cost and quality from the market
• Negotiation of high value contracts with global tier 1 suppliers, luxury goods specialists and innovative luxury brands, with a key focus on total value
• Conduct assessments of potential Suppliers and work with Engineering, Design & Product to create sourcing recommendations
• Ensure that the Suppliers are able to fulfil Programme targets, including timing, cost, quality, technical and luxury positioning attributes
• Seek out and develop synergies with existing core supply base and direct procurement team to maximise customers’ Luxury Experience and value for Forseven
• Be the escalation point for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities with the Supplier and internal Customers
• Support the overall profit objectives of the Lifestyle Products & Accessories team through cost review and sales support actions, driving volume & revenue
• Own the Purchasing elements of Lifestyle Products & Accessories’ business plans and profitability target delivery, including cost optimisation strategies, volume driving plans and strategic support for incremental revenue creation
•   Own, deliver and develop the processes and systems within Lifestyle Products & Accessories to ensure seamless delivery from product conception to Customer Delivery
• Recruit and develop Senior Buyers / Buyers who will deploy your strategy and deliver to the Objectives 

What you will have

• Previous Procurement or complex Commercial experience essential but Automotive experience not mandatory
• Previous Commodity / Strategic sourcing management experience essential but Automotive experience not mandatory
• Will have extensive experience in developing structured Commodity Strategies and Business Plans and is able to train and guide their team in the completion of these
• Extensive experience of negotiating complex Contracts essential.
• Deep understanding how to interrogate component costs essential and experience of working with Cost Engineers preferable
• Ability to identify and leverage areas of value for suppliers and Forseven, beyond traditional Manufacturing Purchasing criteria, to maximise total value and luxury positioning
• Personable with strong communication and ability to build relationships across all levels of the business
• Courageous and ambitious - has a ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve great results; finding a way when encountering obstacles or setbacks.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, start-up environment where change is constant, and structures and systems are new and constantly evolving.
• Lead a team of Senior Buyers & Buyers including managing performance reviews and development plan. Able to identify individual strengths and maximise efficiency of role & responsibilities within the team & tasks.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Previous experience of the commodities within the remit of the role is desired but not essential
• Meaningful previous experience in delivery of Luxury Customer Products or Experiences and an ability to demonstrate a “Customer First” approach in product and range delivery
• Demonstrable understanding of the exacting standards demanded by a Luxury Customer Experience and strategies to hold supporting stakeholders accountable for delivering this standard
• Prepared to undertake such additional duties which may result from changing circumstances, which may not of necessity change the general character or level of responsibility within the role.

At Forseven, we are more than just a team of professionals; we are dynamic innovators, visionary collaborators and trailblazers who believe in making a difference. Our passion lies in revolutionising the electric vehicle industry through our cutting-edge advancements and sustainable solutions that aim to transform the way transportation is perceived.

Currently operating under stealth mode, our focus is entirely directed towards achieving excellence as pioneers in creating sustainable mobility solutions which will help shape the future of transportation.

We're looking for enlightened individuals who possess an unwavering passion, relentless drive, and insatiable curiosity to question conventional norms and push beyond perceived limitations.