Operational Buyer

JCB; Uttoxeter; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Uttoxeter is looking for an experienced Buyer to manage sourcing and supplier relationships in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in purchasing within engineering or manufacturing, excellent negotiation skills, and a degree-level education. Benefits include a competitive salary, 33 days of holiday, gym access, and more.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days' holiday

Access to onsite gym

In-house medical amenities

Discounts at retailers

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Purchasing experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment required.
• Knowledge of category and supplier management necessary.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing, contracts, and supplier relationships for cost savings.
• Work with stakeholders to meet supplier performance KPIs.
• Support product launches and manage supply chain risks.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

Degree-level education

CIPS qualification preferred

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 Heavy Products 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…

• You have Purchasing experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• You possess strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship‑building skills.
• You have knowledge of category and supplier management, contracts, and cost / pricing strategies.
• You’re a dedicated team player that is able to multitask and work well under pressure.
• Degree‑level education; CIPS qualification preferred.
• You’re 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’s 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@

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, dentist and visiting optician. 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@, 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.