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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities for innovative defence and commercial products, ensuring timely delivery.
- 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.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety and innovation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of technical goods, negotiation skills, and experience in supplier management.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Please note that this role requires security checks.
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.
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.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.
Buyer in Renfrew employer: JFD Global
Contact Detail:
JFD Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Renfrew
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research JFD's projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to procurement and supplier management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Renfrew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant technical skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Buyer position at JFD. Share specific examples of your past successes in procurement and how they align with our mission.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you have experience with ERP systems or advanced Excel skills, give us examples of how you've used these in previous roles. We love seeing practical applications!
Apply Early: We receive a lot of applications, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can. This way, you won’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at JFD Global
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the technical goods and services relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of submarine escape systems and tactical dive vehicles, as well as any recent developments in the industry. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since negotiation is key in this role, prepare by reviewing common negotiation tactics and strategies. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or stakeholders. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability in supplier management and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Buyer, you'll need to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage deadlines. Bring examples of how you've handled tight schedules or complex projects in the past, highlighting your proficiency in ERP systems and Excel.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills, so be ready to talk about how you've built long-term relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you influenced decisions or collaborated effectively with teams. Showing that you can work well with others will be crucial for success in this position.
