At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying activities and develop supplier relationships for innovative dive products.
- Company: Join fourth element, a market leader in eco-friendly dive equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy casual dress, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with opportunities for growth in beautiful Cornwall.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the ocean sports industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Job Types: Full Time
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Work Location: Helston, Cornwall
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Application deadline: 23 August 2026
About fourth element
Are you passionate about the ocean and committed to making a difference? At fourth element, we are a market-leading dive equipment and water sport apparel company, dedicated to creating products that perform in the most demanding environments whilst minimising our impact on the environment.
About the job
We're looking for an experienced Buyer to join our Product team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of our product development process, helping to bring new ideas to market by building strong supplier relationships, negotiating the right commercial outcomes and supporting the development of innovative products.
Working closely with the Head of Product, Head of Finance and colleagues across the business, you'll manage buying activities from the earliest stages of product development through to readiness for the first production order. You'll be responsible for supplier sourcing, negotiations, product costing, market research and helping to keep development projects on track.
The role works across our Main Product Range, Bespoke and FELSA products (Government, Public Safety, Military and Industrial), supporting the development of commercially successful products whilst maintaining the quality and performance standards fourth element is known for.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead buying activities across the Main Product Range, Bespoke and FELSA product ranges.
- Develop and manage supplier relationships to deliver quality, innovation, competitive pricing and reliable supply.
- Ensure suppliers achieve industry standards for human rights, safety and ethical practices.
- Responsible for obtaining relevant certification and auditing of suppliers; working closely with our head of compliance.
- Negotiate supplier costs, commercial terms, lead times and manufacturing capabilities.
- Take ownership of product costing and commercial analysis throughout the product development process.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis, including Recommended Retail Price (RRP) benchmarking.
- Identify and develop suppliers capable of supporting our bespoke product offering.
- Work closely with Product Development to source commercially viable materials, products and manufacturing solutions.
- Take ownership of the buying critical path, product costing and commercial analysis throughout the product development process, ensuring projects remain on schedule.
- Work directly with the Head of Finance to support pricing decisions and the successful transition into operational purchasing.
- Collaborate with Product, Finance, Logistics and Compliance to support the successful introduction of new products.
- Prepare commercial updates and buying reports for the monthly Trade Meeting.
What you’ll bring to Fourth Element
- Experience in a buying, procurement or commercial sourcing role.
- Experience of sourcing and managing overseas suppliers.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret commercial, product and market data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business systems.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and product development projects; maintaining strong attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in product innovation.
- An understanding of SCUBA diving or a willingness to develop knowledge of the sector.
Where you’ll be working
This role will be based in our head office in Helston, Cornwall.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Additional holidays for length of service
- Employee discount for personal and gift use
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are encouraged.
Please apply by sending your CV to
Buyer in Helston employer: Fourth Element Ltd
At fourth element, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the beautiful setting of Helston, Cornwall. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation not only drives our product development but also fosters a collaborative environment where employees can thrive and grow. With benefits like additional holidays for length of service, a cycle to work scheme, and a focus on inclusivity, we ensure that our team feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the diving and water sports industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Helston
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Fourth Element Ltd.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Helston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fourth Element Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Fourth Element Ltd. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Fourth Element Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fourth Element Ltd
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Fourth Element Ltd!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Fourth Element Ltd. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Fourth Element Ltd's culture.
