Operational Buyer (JLEW-CATJNL)

As we speak, JCB is continuing to innovate and push the boundaries in research and development; in particular within the area of sustainability, where energy costs and emissions are becoming an increasingly important purchasing consideration. Many of our customers will need to reinvent their businesses to meet new building standards and emissions legislation, we will be there to support them every step of the way, as we have always been, pioneering innovations such as our electric & hydrogen machines.

Today, JCB has 22 plants on four continents and more than 750 dealers around the world. We are going through a period of unprecedented growth, our order book is at record levels, and we are continuing to develop and release exciting new products to grow even further. In order to ensure this is achievable, we are looking for Buyers to grow our UK Purchasing team.

We have a number of roles based at our locations based around Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Overview of the role / day in the life of a Buyer

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that no business can be successful without a robust and competitive supply chain. This is where our purchasing team step in, with our divisional purchasing teams being responsible for over £1bn in annual spend across our 13 UK Business Units. These teams are key to ensuring JCB are sourcing the latest technology, at the right price, all from a supply base who can support our production needs today and are willing and able to grow with JCB.

To create the Category Strategy, you will work within guidelines and processes, to ensure we understand the business needs for each category area, evaluate our current supply base and understand what we need to change to support the future of JCB, considering Cost, Quality, Capacity and Technology. You’ll need to do this for our entire group, not just your division, and to achieve this, you’ll need to work closely with all aspects of the business including, Sales, Engineering, Research, Quality, Operations, and our other purchasing teams. This all helps create a great level of exposure across JCB.

You will also manage categories for your division where the lead sits elsewhere, in this case you are vital in deploying the strategies set out by other buyers. You will ensure the division is sourcing in-line with the strategy, working closely with these suppliers to manage the day-to-day operations and new part introductions across the division. You will play a key part in managing this category for your division and act as the escalation point for Materials, Quality and New Product teams. Your role is crucial in managing supplier relationships and ensuring these are adding value to JCB and we are seen as a priority customer. Your relationship with the lead buyer is key to make sure you are feeding back what is working and what isn’t from the strategy so the lead buyer can address any issues that may be impacting.

Responsibilities:

As a Buyer you will be responsible for managing the operational aspects of our supply chain, supporting the operational team in your division, and developing category strategies to ensure we have a robust and competitive supply chain for the long term.

• Develop Category Strategies for each area of responsibility, working with the wider business to ensure strategies are implemented in a timely manner
• Ensure early engagement with engineering and suppliers to ensure we are sourcing the best products from the beginning of our projects
• Manage the weekly operational workload for your supply base – ensuring you meet the team KPIs
• Manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for your categories – ensuring product is available and right first time to achieve successful machine launches
• Manage multiple resource / capacity projects with suppliers to ensure JCB can achieve our 5-year plan
• Identify and drive cost reduction activities across JCB
• Support Division acting as an escalation point for Delivery / Quality / Warranty issues relating to your categories
• Responsible for leading contractual negotiations for your suppliers (Long Term / Development / Warranty Agreements etc)
• Develop and lead supplier relationships to deliver tangible mutual benefits
• Work with suppliers and engineering to identify new technologies to reduce cost and or add additional value to our machines
• 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.

About you:

We’re looking for candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Significant procurement experience working within a manufacturing business
• Experience developing and implementing successful long-term category strategies
• Understanding of key cost drivers within a supply base
• Confident negotiator with a proven record of creating cost ideas and delivering significant reductions
• Experience managing a number of NPI programs – ideally from concept to product launch
• Experience managing multiple projects and co-ordinating cross functional teams to ensure on-time delivery
• Experience managing high level supplier relationships & delivering tangible benefits
• Ability to build strong internal relationships – preferably experience working closely with technical engineers

Personality Traits we’re looking for:

• Has a sense of urgency and determination to succeed
• Can operate in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities  
• Is resilient, adaptable and open to change
• Presents solutions rather than reasons why things cannot be done
• Strong communicator who can vary their approach depending on the audience
• Works well within a team, supports and drives others where needed

What’s in it for you?

To say thank you for your hard work, we will work with you to support your career progression and development. We will also provide a competitive salary, company pension scheme, medical insurance and dental care schemes, access to the company’s on-site gym, and 33 days annual leave. As a JCB employee, you will also be able to access the incredible JCB Golf & Country Club.

You will also have access to JCB’s Reward Hub – giving you fantastic savings across a huge range of high street retailers, as well as access to exclusive company perks such as our Cycle to Work Scheme.

JCB: Building a Brighter Future

JCB is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.