Buyer

Textron

Ipswich

On-site

GBP 40,000 - 56,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Every other Friday off

30 days annual leave

Competitive pay

Enhanced pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance program

Textron University training

Eye care scheme

Perks at Work discounts

Flu vaccination

Job summary

Textron Specialized Vehicles in Ipswich is seeking a Buyer to secure materials and components, drive cost and delivery performance, and collaborate across Engineering, Quality, and Production. You’ll manage supplier relationships, support cost reduction initiatives, and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in a related field and 3+ years in procurement, with experience in automotive or manufacturing environments and proficiency in SAP/Oracle and Excel.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
Minimum three years’ experience in procurement or buying.
Familiarity with automotive components and manufacturing processes is advantageous.
Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
Proficient in data analysis and reporting for cost savings.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery performance.
Negotiate pricing, lead times and MOQs to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality.
Maintain strong supplier relationships and resolve delivery/quality/pricing issues.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production on ECOs, EDRs, and concessions.
Maintain purchasing and supplier records, including pricing and lead times, per policies.
Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement across procurement.
Ensure ethical sourcing, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Forecast data to support inventory management and manage supply risks.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication

SAP/Oracle

Excel

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related discipline

CIPS Level 3 (desirable)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

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.

Description

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. From prestigious championship golf courses to the World Cup, for more than a century, the most important turf in the world has been manicured by our brand.

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

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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. 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.
Cost Reduction & Improvement: Support cost reduction initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement activities across the procurement function, including, 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 elevate supply risks, including the management of de-expedites and cancellations.
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.

Qualifications

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 (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.
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 (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.
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.