Supply Chain Specialist (home-based) in Ipswich, Suffolk

About Us

Textron Specialized Vehicles are a global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, professional turf-care equipment, and ground support equipment. At Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, we design and manufacture professional turf-care equipment under the brands of Ransomes and Jacobsen. Our mission is to be the premier supplier of high-quality and environmentally conscious turf equipment, providing superior performance for our customers.

We are seeking a Buyer, who will be office based at our manufacturing facility in Ipswich, Suffolk. As a Buyer, you will play a key role in ensuring the consistent supply of materials and components that keep our operations running smoothly. Working collaboratively across the business and with our global supplier base, you will drive cost, quality, and delivery performance while contributing to ongoing improvement initiatives.

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance for current production and service parts.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and MOQs to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and compliance standards. Contracts will be negotiated jointly or by the Senior Buyers.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance and resolve issues related to delivery, quality or pricing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to understand technical specifications and material requirements relating to ECOs, EDRs and concessions.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records (including pricing, lead-times, MOQ’s and contact details) in line with company policies and UK regulations, including declarations of conformity, tariffs and country of origin.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement activities across the procurement function, including PPV/IPV.
• Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing: Ensure all procurement activities align with ethical sourcing practices, sustainability goals and industry standards.
• Inventory & Forecasting: Utilise forecast data to support inventory management, preventing production delays and optimising stock levels. Support planning with CTB and proactively escalate supply risks, including the management of de-expedites and cancellations.
• Prepare reports on purchasing activity, cost savings and supplier performance for management review.
• Support specific projects and undertake additional duties as required.

As a Buyer, we would ask you bring the following skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). CIPS Level 3 (or working towards) is desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of three years’ experience in procurement or buying, ideally within an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with automotive components and materials (e.g. metals, plastics, electronics) and manufacturing processes is advantageous.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favourable commercial terms and build effective supplier relationships.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capability with the ability to assess supplier performance, interpret data, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Proficient in procurement systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Organisational Skills: Strong ability to prioritise workload, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and a focus on quality in all aspects of work.
• Flexible and responsive to changing priorities and market conditions.

Work life balance promoted with every other Friday off. ~30 days annual leave. ~ Competitive rate of pay, reviewed annually. ~ Enhanced Company pension. ~ Life assurance of four times your annual salary. ~ Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family. ~ Access to Textron University’s self-service training platform. ~ Eye care scheme. ~ Discounts on gym memberships, shopping and travel through Perks at Work. ~ Winter flu vaccination voucher.