Buyer in Paisley

Overview

Buyer – Inchinnan, Glasgow with Hybrid Working – Full-time, Permanent. Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

As a Buyer at JFD, you will manage and lead supply chain and procurement activities for both commercial and defence product lines, including Submarine Escape & Rescue systems, Submarine Platforms, and Tactical Dive Vehicles. Your work will ensure the on-time, efficient delivery of critical supplier and subcontract work packages that support mission-critical projects.

What you’ll be doing

• Source and evaluate suppliers to procure high-quality technical goods and services in line with company requirements.
• Manage all procurement activities for subcontract and supplier work packages, including RFQs and detailed purchase orders.
• Provide operational support to supply chain, Project Managers, Production, and Engineering teams.
• Consult with vendors and subcontractors to ensure full supplier management, compliance, and risk mitigation through negotiation and SLAs.
• Develop and implement supply strategies and purchasing methodologies to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Liaise with suppliers on outstanding orders, material issues, and late deliveries, ensuring changes are captured and corrective actions proposed.
• Support supplier evaluations, identifying strengths and weaknesses against business requirements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures in all procurement activities.

What we’re looking for

• Strong understanding of technical goods and services with the ability to evaluate suppliers and ensure high-quality procurement.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings to the desired level.
• Proven experience in supplier performance management, timely issue resolution, and ensuring on-time delivery of materials and services.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and strategic procurement skills, including sourcing and contract management.
• Ability to build long-term collaborative relationships internally and externally, influencing effectively across all levels.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office suite (including advanced Excel skills), with strong organizational and deadline management capabilities.
• Commitment to compliance with company policies and procedures, demonstrating innovative and customer-focused approaches.

Why join us

• Early finish on Fridays.
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.).
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration. James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We are also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! Due to the volume of applications, we may close vacancies before the deadline; please apply early to avoid disappointment. James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.