Category Buyer

Norton Motorcycles, Inc.; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motorcycle manufacturer in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic individual to drive their purchasing function. Responsibilities include supplier management, cost negotiations, and project engagement for new products. The ideal candidate should have a solid track record in Category Procurement along with strong communication and negotiation skills. This role offers a competitive salary package and numerous benefits, including extensive holiday leave and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

33 days of holiday including Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance (4x salary)

FREE fruit

WeCare Employee Assistance Programme

Career advancement opportunities

Diverse and international team events

FREE electric bicycle hire

On-site free parking and electric charge points

Qualifications

• Must have the Right To Work in the UK.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for supply base, costing, and supplier prospecting.
• Manage supplier validation sign-offs and track progress.
• Negotiate pricing and develop products, including feasibility reviews.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships for effective communication.
• Prepare and raise orders, manage contracts, and improve terms.
• Review opportunities for continuous improvement within purchasing.

Skills

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Technical understanding of drawings/technical specifications

Attention to detail

Time management skills

Flexibility in an agile environment

Proactive and methodical approach

Microsoft Office suite proficiency

Education

Experience in Category Procurement

Job description

We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers.

Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!

At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.

So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!

The Role

The individual will form part of driving the purchasing function of this UK based global brand to ensure a robust and committed supply chain. You will have a successful track record of delivery within manufacturing / engineering / automotive industries. You will be an enthusiastic and capable individual whose internal relationships will be as important as those with your suppliers.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Category expert for your area of responsibility – accountability for the supply base, costing and supplier prospecting in this area
• Plan and carry-out robust Early Supplier engagement for all new Norton projects
• Management of supplier validation sign off and tracking
• Responsible for negotiating pricing with suppliers for all new product, and development of new products inclusive of manufacturing feasibility reviews and sign off, development plan sign off and capacity reviews
• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications, ensuring that a professional and consistent approach is taken up
• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments, communicating any supply problems which may impact on a project/s within your category spend
• Prepare and raise orders and order schedules
• Negotiate contracts, improving prices and terms with suppliers whilst maintaining quality standards and expected delivery lead times
• Work closely with team members to review opportunities for continuous improvement within the purchasing function
• Access and contribute to the evaluation of current and/or prospective suppliers in relation to performance (quality, cost, delivery on time)

Personal Specification

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Previous experience of Category Procurement
• Technical understanding of drawings/technical specifications to ensure supplier alignment
• High level of attention to detail and well organised
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise workload
• A highly flexible individual who can adjust to a very agile environment
• Proactive, methodical, practical and persistent
• Able to work well under pressure
• Works well within a team
• Microsoft Office suite proficient
• Must have the Right To Work in the UK

Rewards of working for Norton:

• 💰 Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
• 🌴A whopping 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
• 👴 Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
• 🚑 Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
• 💸 Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
• 🍌FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
• 🩺WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
• 🚀 Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
• 💡 Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
• 🌍 A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
• 🎉 Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
• 🚴♂️Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
• 🚗 Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.

Join us and see for!

PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS