Daniel Heather
Addlestone,Surrey
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Senior Car Buyer with over 20 years of expertise in sourcing, purchasing, and managing vehicle inventory across large-scale and independent dealerships. Skilled in pricing strategy, stock profiling, and negotiating with auction houses, lease companies, and dealer groups. Proven ability to lead procurement operations at high volume and contribute to award-winning business performance. Strong communicator and collaborator with a track record of delivering profitability and operational improvements.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of buying
Sascron Car Supermarket
Aldermaston, West Berkshire
04.2024 - Current
- Responsible for sourcing all retail stock for the dealership.
- Set retail pricing for all vehicles to ensure competitiveness and margin.
- Experience in disposal of part exchange vehicles via multiple auction channels.
- Conducted regular market reviews to maintain accurate pricing on aged stock.
- Part of weekly management meetings with MD, Director, and senior leadership.
- Developed new supply chains to improve stock acquisition and quality.
- Played a pivotal role in Sascron winning two Motor Trader Industry Awards in the first year:
- Used Car Retailer of the Year (100+ cars)
- Most Improved Dealership of the Year (Independent)
Senior buyer
Cargiant
White City, London
08.2008 - 04.2024
- Senior Buyer for the world's largest used car dealership.
- Purchased over 4,500 cars annually from auctions, lease companies, and dealer networks.
- Set all retail prices for acquired stock based on live market analysis.
- Worked cross-functionally to ensure stock met brand, margin, and demand objectives.
- Identified potential new suppliers for strategic expansion initiatives.
- Executed purchasing orders, improving stock inventory levels.
- Conducted market research, identifying competitive pricing trends.
- Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable contract terms.
Senior buyer
Carcraft
Rochdale, Greater Manchester
10.2006 - 07.2008
- Sourced and purchased used vehicles from various suppliers for multiple retail sites.
- Maintained strong profit performance and optimal stock mix across locations.
- Collaborated with General Managers for part exchange and walk-in valuation processes
Senior buyer
Carland
Chertsey, Surrey
01.2002 - 09.2006
- Sourced and purchased used vehicles from various suppliers for multiple retail sites.
- Maintained strong profit performance and optimal stock mix across locations.
- Collaborated with General Managers for part exchange and walk-in valuation processes
Transport manager
Carland
Chertsey, Surrey
04.2001 - 12.2001
- Managed logistics for 20,000+ vehicle movements annually.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across all areas of the business.
- Handled emergency situations effectively, minimising downtime and disruption to services.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased productivity in transport management tasks.
- Coordinated transport from purchase to preparation and retail distribution
Admin Manager – Purchasing Department
Carland
Chertsey, Surrey
02.2000 - 03.2001
- Oversaw data entry, retail pricing, payments, and all admin within the purchasing department.
- Managed internal communications effectively maintaining transparency across teams.
- Managed employee schedules to ensure smooth operations.
- Led a team of 20 with responsibility for departmental performance and cost control
Stock Control / Vehicle Allocations / Transport
Carland
Chertsey, Surrey
06.1999 - 01.2000
- Monitored stock locations, allocations, and transport scheduling across sites.
- Created sales analysis reports for management to inform stock strategy.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
Finance Controller
Concept Cars
Chertsey, Surrey
10.1997 - 05.1999
- Arranged finance for customers and supported managers with credit decision communication
- Facilitated effective communication between finance department and executive management.
- Developed finance team members to enhance their professional skills.
Sales Administrator
Concept Cars
Chertsey, Surrey
03.1997 - 09.1997
- Handled documentation, banking, and weekly sales tracking for the retail team
- Handled sensitive client information with strict confidentiality boosting trust relationship with clients.
- Coordinated with the sales team, enhancing overall productivity.
Education
City and Guilds Level 1,2,3 - Motor Vehicle Engineering
Brooklands College
Weybridge, Surrey 1994 - 1994
Skills
- Used car sourcing & high-volume purchasing
- Stock strategy & retail pricing
- Auction, trade, and fleet acquisition
- Vehicle appraisals & part exchange management
- Market and competitor analysis
- Supply chain development
- Team collaboration & management reporting
- Relationship building with vendors & partners
- Profitability and PPU tracking
- Disposal of part exchange vehicles at auction
- Market research tools
- Profit margin calculation
- Buying plan implementation
- Retail buying expertise
- Supplier relationship management
- Supplier negotiation
Accomplishments
- Used Car Retailer of the Year (100+ cars)
- Most Improved Dealership of the Year (Independent)
-
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of buying
Sascron Car Supermarket
04.2024 - Current
Senior buyer
Cargiant
08.2008 - 04.2024
Senior buyer
Carcraft
10.2006 - 07.2008
Senior buyer
Carland
01.2002 - 09.2006
Transport manager
Carland
04.2001 - 12.2001
Admin Manager – Purchasing Department
Carland
02.2000 - 03.2001
Stock Control / Vehicle Allocations / Transport
Carland
06.1999 - 01.2000
Finance Controller
Concept Cars
10.1997 - 05.1999
Sales Administrator
Concept Cars
03.1997 - 09.1997
City and Guilds Level 1,2,3 - Motor Vehicle Engineering
Brooklands College
1994 - 1994
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