At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and ensure timely delivery of supplier work packages.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and early finishes on Fridays.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear career development pathways and global operational impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety and innovation within the defence and maritime sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Please note that this role requires security checks.
We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our growing supply chain team at JFD, based in Westhill. This newly created position supports our commercial hyperbaric and defence diving product lines, responding to increased operational activity and procurement volumes. Reporting to the Supply Chain Team Lead, the Buyer will manage high-volume, low-value procurement activities, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of supplier and subcontractor work packages. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to maintain quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness across all procurement functions.
What you'll be doing:
- Take a proactive and solution-focused approach to procurement challenges.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making under pressure.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
- Collaborate effectively across departments to support business needs.
- Uphold safety, quality, and compliance in all procurement activities.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience as an operational buyer in a high-volume procurement environment.
- Strong technical buying skills, including the ability to interpret engineering drawings and source services such as machining and fabrication.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Ability to manage both products and services procurement.
- Organised, deadline-driven, and adaptable.
- Industry experience in oil & gas or similar technical sectors is welcome but not essential.
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
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.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
Buyer in Inchinnan employer: James Fisher and Sons
At James Fisher, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a company pension. Our inclusive and supportive culture fosters individual contributions and provides clear pathways for career development, making it an ideal environment for motivated professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the maritime industry. With hybrid working options available in Norfolk, you can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to innovative projects that shape the future of global maritime transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Inchinnan
✨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 James Fisher and Sons.
✨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 Inchinnan
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 James Fisher and Sons:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to James Fisher and Sons. 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 James Fisher and Sons.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons
✨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 James Fisher and Sons!
✨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 James Fisher and Sons. 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 James Fisher and Sons's culture.
