At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop category strategies and manage supplier relationships to ensure a competitive supply chain.
- Company: Join JCB, a leading manufacturing company that values expertise and employee care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, onsite gym, and discounts with retailers.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities and support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
About the role:
As a Buyer you'll be responsible for developing category strategies to ensure we have a robust and competitive supply chain for the long term. You'll also be lead for maintaining supplier relationships and performance within your category areas, managing risk and supporting with operational escalations in order to support the business.
What does this role involve day to day?
- You’ll develop Category Strategies for each area of responsibility, working with the wider business to ensure strategies are implemented in a timely manner.
- You'll participate in early engagement with engineering and suppliers to ensure we are sourcing the right product and the right cost, right first time.
- You'll support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for your categories, ensuring all applicable milestones and targets are met (QCD).
- You'll manage multiple resource/capacity projects with suppliers to ensure JCB can achieve our 5-year plan.
- You'll identify and drive cost reduction activities for your areas of responsibility, supporting your own and overall teams budget objectives.
- You'll support Power Systems business unit, acting as an escalation point for Delivery/Quality/Warranty issues relating to your categories.
- You'll be responsible for leading contractual negotiations for your suppliers (Long Term/Development/Warranty Agreements etc).
- You'll develop and lead supplier relationships to deliver tangible mutual benefits.
- You'll build strong relationships across JCB and the supply base, be responsible and accountable to make and influence key decisions that are in the best interest of JCB.
- You'll support and coach other team members.
This will be suited to you if...
- You've got significant procurement experience working within a manufacturing business.
- You have experience developing and implementing successful long-term category strategies.
- You've got an understanding of key cost drivers within a supply base.
- You're a confident negotiator with a proven record of creating cost ideas and delivering significant reductions.
- You've got experience managing a number of NPI programs – ideally from concept to product launch.
- You have experience managing multiple projects and co-ordinating cross functional teams to ensure on-time delivery.
- You have experience managing high level supplier relationships & delivering tangible benefits.
- You can build strong internal relationships and have experience working closely with technical engineers.
- You possess a sense of urgency and determination to succeed.
- You're able to operate in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
- You're resilient, adaptable and open to change.
- You present solutions rather than reasons why things cannot be done.
- You're a strong communicator who can vary their approach depending on the audience.
- You work well within a team, supporting and driving others where needed.
What happens next?
Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in-person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch.
What’s in it for you?
This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.
We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Resourcing Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@, and a member of the team will be in touch.
Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.
Buyer - Engines in Derby employer: JCB
At JCB, we pride ourselves on being a world-class, family-owned business that truly values its employees. As a Telematics Product Owner, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and personal growth, supported by competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like an onsite gym and ULEV car scheme. Join us in our commitment to excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of connected technology in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Engines in Derby
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like JCB.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Engines in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to JCB:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to JCB. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like JCB.
How to prepare for a job interview at JCB
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at JCB!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at JCB. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into JCB's culture.
