Buyer, Manufacturing ​/ Production

Company Profile

JCB is a world leader in construction and agricultural equipment with 80 years of innovation. With 23 plants across four continents, JCB manufactures more than 300 products including telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors. JCB is a family-owned business focused on delivering technology that meets customer needs on the jobsite.

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 engineering specifications within specified parameters. It ensures new product introductions align with the master project plan through early involvement between Engineering, Planning and the supplier base. The role also seeks opportunities to drive down material costs, improve quality, and secure capacity.

Full Time, Exempt

• 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 fulfillment 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.

The position is stationed at JCB Inc. in Savannah and requires up to 25% travel to domestic and international supplier locations. A valid passport is required. The role involves a moderate level of fitness and agility to work around manufacturing processes where moderate to heavy equipment is deployed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2 years of strategic purchasing experience or Bachelor’s Degree in Business with 3 years of strategic purchasing experience.
• Must pass drug screening, background checks and applicable pre-employment tests.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Comfortable in an in-person office environment.
• Technical competence is a plus.
• Customer service oriented, flexible, and maintain a high energy level.
• Excellent follow-through skills.
• Professional, polished demeanor and ability to operate in most social settings.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Desire and proven ability to learn and grow.

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

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.

• Sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally stand and walk.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required 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. EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals who 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

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