Senior Category Buyer - Power Systems

JCB; South Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in South Derbyshire is seeking a Category Buyer/Senior Buyer. This role involves developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost reductions. The ideal candidate will have significant procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. Benefits include a competitive salary, 33 days of holiday, and access to onsite facilities such as a gym and medical services.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days holiday

Company pension

Onsite gym

In-house doctor and dentist

ULEV car scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Significant procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and implementing long-term category strategies.
• Understanding of cost drivers within a supply chain.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams.
• Proven record of negotiation and cost reduction.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies ensuring implementation across the business.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and manage supplier relationships.
• Support the New Product Introduction process.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Coach other team members.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Project management

Relationship management

Communication skills

Job description

About the role :

As a Category Buyer / Senior Buyer you will be responsible for developing category strategies to ensure we have a robust and competitive supply chain for the long term. You will also be lead for maintaining supplier relationships and performance within your category areas, managing risk and supporting with operational escalations in order to support the business.

What does this role involve day to day?

• You’ll develop Category Strategies for each area of responsibility, working with the wider business to ensure strategies are implemented in a timely manner
• You'll participate in early engagement with engineering and suppliers to ensure we are sourcing the right product and the right cost, right first time
• You'll support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for your categories, ensuring all applicable milestones and targets are met (QCD)
• You'll manage multiple resource / capacity projects with suppliers to ensure JCB can achieve our 5-year plan
• You'll identify and drive cost reduction activities for your areas of responsibility, supporting your own and overall teams budget objectives
• You'll support Power Systems business unit, acting as an escalation point for Delivery / Quality / Warranty issues relating to your categories
• You'll be responsible for leading contractual negotiations for your suppliers (Long Term / Development / Warranty Agreements etc)
• You'll develop and lead supplier relationships to deliver tangible mutual benefits
• You'll 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
• You'll support and coach other team members

This will be suited to you if...

• You've got significant procurement experience working within a manufacturing business
• You have experience developing and implementing successful long-term category strategies
• You've got an understanding of key cost drivers within a supply base
• You're a confident negotiator with a proven record of creating cost ideas and delivering significant reductions
• You've got experience managing a number of NPI programs – ideally from concept to product launch
• You have experience managing multiple projects and co-ordinating cross functional teams to ensure on-time delivery
• You have experience managing high level supplier relationships & delivering tangible benefits
• You can build strong internal relationships and have experience working closely with technical engineers
• You possess a sense of urgency and determination to succeed
• You're able to operate in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• You're resilient, adaptable and open to change
• You present solutions rather than reasons why things cannot be done
• You're a strong communicator who can vary their approach depending on the audience
• You work well within a team, supporting and driving others where needed

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

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 Resourcing 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.