Danny Vandervelde

Group Buyer - BMW/Mini - Sytner Group (Field Based)

When did you start working at Sytner Group?

September 2001

If someone wanted to become a Group Buyer, what key skills and attitude would they need?

Be organised, have an eye for detail, in depth product knowledge, asking/accepting advice from experienced colleagues and never forget that you always have room to learn.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Every day is different and you are constantly meeting new people and forging new relationships.

Three words that sum up the people in your team?

Positive, Reliable, Knowledgeable.

What does your place of work do to help its colleagues maintain work-life balance?

Because we are field based and cover the whole country, assistance is often required from colleagues and line managers, who are always on hand to help. The central admin team and designated vehicle appraisers are another resource which supports us as Group Buyers.

How do you know you are making a difference?

My main role is to assist the dealerships in sourcing great cars to make great profits. If we are making money then I am doing my job well!!

Can you tell me about the culture in your workplace?

Success is celebrated and we are all motivated to perform well. We are given plenty of support and provided with the right tools and infrastructure to do the job well.

How have you developed since working for Sytner?

I started as a Sales Executive at Huddersfield VW for 8 years, moved into the buying team firstly with VW, then Audi until 2016. I then became the VW Divisional Used Car Manager for 12 months before being offered a position back within the Buying Department as a BMW/Mini Group Buyer which is the role I do now and certainly my favourite position within Sytner.

What’s been one of your proudest moments working at Sytner?

Receiving the Group Manager of the Year Nominee Award in 2014 and subsequently at this year’s Managers Conference, presented by our Chairman Roger Penske and CEO Darren Edwards.

What advice would you give to recent new hires?

Ensure you are organised, listen and learn from your colleagues and managers and embrace all of the training on offer to you.

If you could go back and give yourself some career advice when you were 15 years old, what would it be?

Listened to my Mum, worked harder at school, gone to university and become a stock broker in the city. Ha Ha!!

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