Buyer- Plastics

The Opportunity - Buyer

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About the role:

As a Buyer in JCB’s Plastics Team, you will play a key role in securing high-quality, cost-effective plastic components that support the production of world-class off-highway machines. You will manage supplier relationships, deliver cost savings, support new product introduction (NPI) projects, and contribute to continuous supply chain improvement across JCB’s global manufacturing footprint.

This is a fast-paced, hands-on role requiring strong commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, operations, and category teams 

What does this role involve day to day?

• Develop, implement, and maintain sourcing strategies for plastic components across various plastic manufacturing process and assemblies.

• Analyse market trends, resin pricing, and global supply risks to support long‑term planning.

• Identify and onboard new suppliers to support innovation, cost competitiveness, and capacity needs.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Programme Teams to source plastics for new product introductions (NPIs).

• Manage a portfolio of domestic and international suppliers, ensuring performance against cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability metrics.

• Conduct supplier business reviews and manage development plans where required.

• Negotiate supply agreements, pricing structures, tooling investments, and long‑term contracts.

• Work closely with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to resolve supply issues, shortages, or quality incidents.

This will be suited to you if...

• You’re an experienced purchasing or supply chain professional

• You have purchasing accreditations (desirable) and experience leading projects

• You’re highly motivated, meticulous, and tenacious in your approach

• You have strong supplier negotiation skills and supply chain knowledge

• You’re confident working with cross-functional teams to deliver results

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 Teams 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 at recruitment@jcb.com

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 recruitment@jcb.com, 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.