Purchasing Industrial Placement

Who are we?

Based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, NTCE (Nissan Technical Centre, Europe) is our UK Research and Development hub. We are home to the functions that help us lead the way in vehicle design and development of the vehicles manufactured in our European plants. With more than 900 people based here from over 25 different countries, it’s a hive of ideas, imagination, and vision, based in open-plan spacious offices designed to encourage cross-functional collaboration. The teams at the Cranfield Nissan Technical Centre work to develop engineering and design requirements for new car models across the world. Here you’ll find departments such as Research & Development, Product Economic Control, Purchasing, Legal, HR, Finance and Total Customer Satisfaction, all enjoying modern on-site facilities like our gym, sports, and social club.

Purpose

Find your Purchasing path with a placement at Nissan. 

Are you ready to dive into the fast-paced world of automotive purchasing? Nissan is looking for driven and dedicated placement students to join our Purchasing team August 2025, a critical function where you’ll make a tangible impact on our business from day one.

This is not your typical entry-level role; from the start, you’ll be managing multiple workstreams, taking on high levels of responsibility, and working directly with suppliers to solve real-world challenges. At Nissan, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a team where camaraderie is key, and you’ll be treated as a valued member from the moment you join. With opportunities to travel in the UK and abroad, you’ll gain international exposure and the chance to develop a broad understanding of Nissan’s business operations.

Purchasing at Nissan is unique – our team touches every aspect of the business, from Design and Supply Chain to Legal and Finance. This scheme could place you in either our Direct or Indirect Purchasing department, depending on business needs. Direct Purchasing focuses on sourcing components directly related to new and current car models, while Indirect Purchasing involves working with suppliers that support our broader infrastructure including machinery, equipment, facilities, CAPEX and logistics. In both roles, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills, take on real responsibility, and grow within a supportive team environment with excellent mentorship and training.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now and start your career journey with Nissan, where you’ll gain invaluable experience, learn from industry experts, and make an impact on a global scale.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

• Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining key relationships with suppliers, working closely with them to ensure cost-effective sourcing

• Project & Cost Management: Managing day-to-day and project costs, analysing quotes, negotiating contracts and tracking expenditures related to parts and equipment in the UK and beyond. This includes working on cost reduction projects and managing design changes for vehicle model development.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Daily collaboration with our expert teams across Nissan, including Design, Supply Chain, Finance, and Engineering, to ensure the highest standards in supply chain and optimum cost-effectiveness for customers

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conducting regular cost analysis and internal reporting of key cost information, while also providing project-specific insights to stakeholders to support decision-making

• Supplier Site Visits: Travel to supplier locations as part of ongoing relationship management to ensure efficiency, inspect operations, and ensure adherence to Nissan’s strict quality standards

• Sourcing & Negotiation: Engage in sourcing new vehicle parts, equipment, and services, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible deals for Nissan and our customers

From the start of your scheme you will be supported through a comprehensive training and mentoring programme, covering both business and soft skills such as presentation training and communications.  You will also have access to our vast learning platforms for onward learning in role-specific and technical areas, as well as allowance for on-the-job training in areas of particular relevance.

​We believe in creating a positive and inclusive culture for all our employees.  You will enjoy placement-specific platforms and support groups, as well as the opportunity to be involved in engagement initiatives such as our wellbeing and CSR programmes. 

Our nurturing culture means assistance is always on hand when you need it, with the guidance of skilled and experienced engineers in addition to dedicated mentors and departmental managers.  You will have opportunity for regular catch-ups, appraisals and progress discussions, where you can plot your timeline for personal development.

What you will need to be successful

• You must be studying a Bachelor’s degree or Integrated Master’s in a relevant field and be able to commit to a 12-month placement as part of your course. 

• Your strong analytical skills and data-driven approach to problem-solving will enable you to lead best decision making around sourcing and supplier relationships

• You will thrive in an environment where you deal with a variety of people and departments every day, using your communication and negotiation skills to collaborate effectively with others and achieve the best results for the business

• You will love being part of a team with close project-working, where you will be responsible for handling multiple workstreams daily, using effective time management skills with a proactive attitude to your work

• You will have the flexibility and adaptability to thrive in the fast-paced, dynamic automative manufacturing environment

• You will have proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel

• Knowledge of a foreign language is advantageous

• You must be willing to travel and be geographically mobile

• Sufficient evidence of your right to work in the UK will be required.

What we offer

We firmly believe that investment in our employees is integral to their growth and success. As a member of our team, you will have access to many of our benefits - because we want you to feel cared for, supported, and engaged at Nissan.

• Competitive base salary at £21,587

• Remote Working Policy (maximum 2 days per week WFH)

• Flexible Working Options

  • 39 hours per week

  • Standard Working Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm

  • 2+/- flexible hour adjustments (Subject to manager approval)

• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant

• Onsite Gym Facilities

At Nissan we believe that diversity gives us strength and is key to the success of our business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and have a range of Talent initiatives in place, such as high potential development, leadership, and career coaching to support our female workforce. In a male dominated industry, our UK data shows that on average, women’s mean hourly pay is more than men. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business.

Diversity and Inclusion:

All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Please note, it is a mandatory requirement to include your CV with your application. A cover letter may be submitted at your discretion.

Closing date: 5th January 2025-  Nissan reserves the right to terminate this advertisement prematurely.