At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate with suppliers to ensure smooth operations and cost savings.
- Company: Join Textron Specialized Vehicles, a leader in innovative turf-care equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible work-life balance, and competitive pay.
- Other info: Access training resources and employee discounts for a fulfilling work experience.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with top-tier suppliers and teams.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
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 recognise that our success, and future success, is tied directly to our people. 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.
About the Role
- Approved Suppliers: Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance for current production and service parts.
- Supplier Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, lead times and MOQs to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
- 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 in line with company policies and UK regulations.
- Cost Reduction & Improvement: Support cost reduction initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement activities across the procurement function.
- 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.
- Reporting: Prepare reports on purchasing activity, cost savings and supplier performance for management review.
- PO Management: Raise purchase orders, manage MRP exceptions, and ensure timely PO acknowledgments.
- Support specific projects and undertake additional duties as required.
About You
As a Buyer, we would ask you bring the following skills and experience:
- Education: 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 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.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- IT Skills: Proficient in procurement systems 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.
- Problem Solving: Proactive, solution-focused approach with a results-driven mindset.
- Teamwork: Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently when required.
- Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities and market conditions.
Why us?
- 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.
Job Field: Supply Chain
Job Type: Standard
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: First Shift
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Buyer in Ipswich employer: Textron Systems
Textron Specialized Vehicles is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance with every other Friday off and 30 days of annual leave. Employees benefit from competitive pay, enhanced pension schemes, and access to comprehensive training through Textron University, fostering personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, the company is committed to ethical and sustainable practices, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the manufacturing sector.
