Purchasing Project Lead in Derby

This role is responsible for coordinating and supporting all Purchasing activity relating to NPIP and parts availability escalations. The work involves delivering the New Product Introduction Group Purchasing Policy and ensuring compliance with the functional requirements of the NPIP process.

The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, process‑driven, and confident working both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills at all levels, the ability to prioritise effectively, and a commitment to meeting precise deadlines are essential.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Project Sourcing Reviews
  • Ensure programme scope and targets are agreed through cross‑functional reviews to support early supplier engagement, purchasing category alignment and commercial strategy.
  • Support creation of a synthetic BOM and provide supplier performance summaries including development plans where appropriate.
• Plan for Every Part (PFEP)
  • Generate and maintain PFEP to support Engineering with drawing release plans and programme timing.
  • Project‑manage long‑lead parts and work with category teams to create and monitor supplier countermeasures.
• Confidentiality
  • Manage completion of supplier NDAs for allocated programmes.
• Component Validation
  • Support Engineering with fit‑for‑purpose validation activities.
• Risk Mitigation
  • Identify appropriate suppliers for launch reviews and manage associated risks identified.
  • Effectively identifies and escalates supply‑chain risks to the appropriate levels, ensuring timely decision‑making and the availability of parts when required.
• Quality
  • Monitor and report overall quality status.
  • Support the monitoring of timing plans and expedite parts and/or quality documentation where needed.
• Cost Control
  • Work collaboratively with Engineering and Purchasing teams to support target cost creation for new parts.
  • Report consolidated status, progress, and cost‑saving opportunities throughout each launch.
• Gate Reviews
  • Prepare Purchasing summaries for NPIP gate reviews and represent the function when required.
• Buyer Arrears
  • Work with non‑business‑unit buyers to reduce arrears such as overdue ISIR, outstanding ECNs, open requisitions, blocked invoices and more.

This will be suited to you if…

You have a background in Project Management and are confident working in a cross‑functional, fast‑paced environment. You will excel in this role if you have:

• Core Skills & Behaviours
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
  • Effective multi‑functional team working
  • Influential dexterity and ability to lead through collaboration
  • Practical problem‑solving capability
  • Experience leading and managing change
  • Conflict‑resolution skills
  • Understanding of engineering and design principles
  • Financial awareness and commercial understanding
  • Assertiveness with a strong sense of urgency and a positive attitude
  • Familiarity with production SAP environments (preferred)
• Experience & Qualifications
  • Engineering and/or Programme Management understanding
  • PRINCE2 qualification (preferred, not essential)
  • Proficient Excel skills (essential)
  • CIPS qualification (preferred, not essential)
  • SAP experience (preferred, not essential)
  • Production or Engineering background (desirable)

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 Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.

If you would benefit from this support, please email, 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.