At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure high-quality plastic components and manage supplier relationships for world-class machines.
- Company: Join JCB, a leader in off-highway machinery with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, gym access, and great discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced role while collaborating across teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Opportunity - Buyer
About the role: As a Buyer in JCB’s Plastics Team, you will play a key role in securing high‑quality, cost‑effective plastic components that support the production of world‑class off‑highway machines. You will manage supplier relationships, deliver cost savings, support new product introduction (NPI) projects, and contribute to continuous supply chain improvement across JCB’s global manufacturing footprint. This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on role requiring strong commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, operations, and category teams.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and maintain sourcing strategies for plastic components across various plastic manufacturing processes and assemblies.
- Analyse market trends, resin pricing, and global supply risks to support long‑term planning.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to support innovation, cost competitiveness, and capacity needs.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Programme Teams to source plastics for new product introductions (NPIs).
- Manage a portfolio of domestic and international suppliers, ensuring performance against cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability metrics.
- Conduct supplier business reviews and manage development plans where required.
- Negotiate supply agreements, pricing structures, tooling investments, and long‑term contracts.
- Work closely with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to resolve supply issues, shortages, or quality incidents.
Qualifications:
- Experienced purchasing or supply chain professional.
- Purchasing accreditations (desirable) and experience leading projects.
- Highly motivated, meticulous, and tenacious approach.
- Strong supplier negotiation skills and supply chain knowledge.
- Confident working with cross‑functional teams to deliver results.
Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, company pension, onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist, ULEV car scheme, JCB Rewards Hub discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme.
Diversity
Buyer- Plastics employer: JCB
JCB is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Buyer in the Plastics Team, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of health and wellness initiatives, including an onsite gym and in-house medical services. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to sustainability, JCB provides meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement within a globally recognised manufacturing leader.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer- Plastics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching JCB and understanding their products and values. Tailor your answers to show how your skills as a Buyer can directly contribute to their mission of delivering world-class off-highway machines.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure cost-effective deals. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the JCB team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer- Plastics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role in the Plastics Team. Highlight your experience in purchasing and supply chain, especially any projects you've led or specific achievements that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered cost savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for JCB. Be sure to mention your ability to collaborate across teams, as this is key for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCB
✨Know Your Plastics
Familiarise yourself with different types of plastics and their applications. Understanding the materials you'll be sourcing will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Supplier Relationship Insights
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you used to negotiate better terms or resolve conflicts, as this is crucial for the Buyer position.
✨Market Trends Awareness
Stay updated on current market trends, resin pricing, and global supply risks. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will demonstrate your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with engineering, quality, or operations teams. Be ready to share how you collaborated to achieve common goals, as teamwork is key in this role.
