At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and build supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- 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 that values diversity and offers clear pathways for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in safety and innovation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role
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
- Manage procurement activities, including RFQs, purchase orders, and subcontractor packages.
- Support supply chain operations and collaborate with Project Managers, Engineering, and Production teams.
- Build and maintain supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, performance, and risk management.
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Resolve supplier issues relating to orders, materials, and deliveries, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Work cross-functionally to support business and operational objectives.
- Conduct supplier evaluations and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Interpret technical drawings and specifications to support procurement requirements.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures.
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.
- 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.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
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’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.
Explore more about JFD
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.
To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida.
You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA
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Buyer in Westhill employer: JFD Global
At James Fisher, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our inclusive culture fosters individual contributions and provides clear pathways for career development, ensuring that our employees are supported in their professional growth. With competitive benefits, including private medical insurance and a cycle to work scheme, along with the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have a global impact, we are committed to creating a rewarding workplace for our engineering team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Westhill
✨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 JFD Global.
✨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 Westhill
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 JFD Global:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to JFD Global. 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 JFD Global.
How to prepare for a job interview at JFD Global
✨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 JFD Global!
✨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 JFD Global. 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 JFD Global's culture.
