Company Profile

80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 23 plants spanning four continents—and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.

JCB people are at the heart of our business and as a family-owned business we answer to our customers, not a group of shareholders. That freedom allows us to concentrate on developing the latest technologies and incorporating them into our equipment. We focus on what our customer needs on the jobsite – a machine that holds up in the toughest environment and increases their productivity.

At JCB, we stand behind our products – and our name.

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this position is responsible for the approval of domestic and international sources, and the timely purchase of quality materials per the engineering specification within the specified parameters. This position is responsible for ensuring new product introductions in accordance with the master project plan through early involvement between Engineering, Planning and the supplier base. Additionally, the position shall continuously research, identify and deliver initiatives to drive down the material costs, increase quality, and secure capacity.

Position Type

Full Time, Exempt

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

• Spearhead Make or Buy analysis for new and current production materials, products and services (the Materials)
• Research, validate and approve suppliers for production supply of materials
• Research requirements (technical, commercial and volume), compile supplier bid lists, compile bid packages, solicit offers, negotiate contract terms, nominate vendors and issue Blanket Purchase Orders or Master Supply Agreements
• Monitor supplier adherence to timing and cost objectives for tooling and materials, and mitigate identified risks. Validate production approval (ISIR / PPAP) and hand over contract maintenance to tactical buyer
• Responsible for constant cost reductions and fulfilment of supplier capacity requirements through: commercial negotiations; process, product and material improvements; technology improvements; supplier investments; in-sourcing, re-sourcing and out-sourcing
• Coordinate supplier communication in a timely fashion with internal customers in Engineering, Production Control, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, JCB Management and external customers such as suppliers and service providers for all supplier matters
• Lead Supplier Escalation Campaigns where poor supplier performance threatens project objectives, production goals, quality objectives and or cost objectives
• From time to time, lead the purchasing effort for procurement of large ticket, non-production supplies such as new manufacturing equipment and or major overhauls

Nature & Scope

The position is stationed out of JCB Inc. in Savannah, but requires up to 25% travel to domestic and international supplier locations. The incumbent is required to maintain a valid passport at all times. This position demands a moderate level of fitness and agility without limitations of movement through manufacturing processes where moderate to heavy equipment is deployed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2 years strategic purchasing experience or Bachelor’s Degree in Business with 3 years strategic purchasing experience

• Must pass any drug screens, background checks and applicable pre-employments tests

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software
• Comfortable in an in-person office environment
• Technical competence is a plus
• Must be customer service oriented, flexible, and have a high energy level
• Must have excellent follow-through skills
• Must have a professional, polished, and sophisticated demeanor and be comfortable in most social settings
• Must be open to domestic and international travel
• Desire and proven ability to learn and grow

Job Conditions

• Both office environment and occasionally manufacturing/factory environment
• Subject to noise and temperature changes

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

JCB is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.

Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.