Operational Buyer

J C Bamford Excavators Ltd; Kingsley Moor; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced buyer to manage a portfolio critical to manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and purchasing experience in an engineering environment. This role demands excellent relationship-building abilities and the capacity to multitask under pressure. Competitive salary, 33 days of holiday, and a variety of employee benefits are offered. Apply now to be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days' holiday

Pension scheme

Onsite gym

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Purchasing experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship‑building skills.
• Knowledge of category and supplier management, contracts, and cost/pricing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing, contracts, and supplier relationships for cost savings.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure supplier performance meets KPIs.
• Develop category strategies and lead supplier negotiations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Multitasking

Influencing skills

Education

Degree-level education

CIPS qualification

Job description

About the role:

Are you a supply chain professional with strong negotiation skills and a passion for driving value in a global supply chain? We’re looking for an experienced buyer to join our team at JCB Earthmovers/ Landpower to manage a portfolio of parts and services that are critical to our manufacturing operations.

What does this role involve day to day?

• You’ll manage sourcing, contracts, and supplier relationships to deliver cost savings and security of supply.
• You’ll work closely with key stakeholders in engineering, operations, and NPI teams to ensure supplier performance meets quality, delivery, and cost KPIs.
• You’ll support product launches with effective early supplier engagement, manage supply chain risks, and deliver on business continuity plans.
• When acting as Lead Buyer, you’ll develop category strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and align supply base communications across the group.

This will be suited to you if…

• Purchasing experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship‑building skills.
• Knowledge of category and supplier management, contracts, and cost/pricing strategies.
• A dedicated team player that is able to multitask and work well under pressure.
• Degree‑level education; CIPS qualification preferred.
• Flexible and willing to travel.

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 team 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 [e-mail].

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 [e-mail], 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.