Buyer
Full-Time, Permanent
Inchinnan, Hybrid working
About the Company
James Fisher Defence is the world leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets with innovative diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue, technical solutions and services.
JFD – part of a Global James Fisher Group
James Fisher is a global engineering services company that has evolved from its origins as a ship owner and operator to provide expertise and innovative technology across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. We help our customers deliver on their promises safely, efficiently, and responsibly. With a strong heritage built on our people and innovation, we are embedding sustainability across our business.
Our strategy, centered around the One James Fisher ambition, aims to build a cohesive engineering service company in the Blue Economy.
- Our Energy Division offers safe, sustainable products and services for oil, gas, and renewables.
- The Defence Division provides underwater systems and life support for defence and commercial diving markets.
- Maritime Transport leads in global maritime shipping and ship-to-ship transfer services.
Together, we are building a brighter, bolder, and more innovative future.
The Role
As Buyer you will manage and lead all supply chain and procurement activities for internal projects to ensure on-time and efficient delivery of all sub-contract and supplier work packages.
Principle Accountabilities
- Management of all procurement activities in the delivery of sub-contract and supplier work packages, including RFQs, detailed purchase orders incorporating scope of supply and deliverables.
- Provide operational support to the supply chain team and supporting departments including Project Managers and Engineers.
- Consult with vendors, subcontractors and OEM’s to provide full supplier management and compliance through negotiation, provision of feedback for improved service, risk management, risk mitigation and Service Level Agreements.
- Manage the review, development and implementation of supply strategies and purchasing methodologies to improve productivity and efficiency.
- Liaising with suppliers on outstanding orders, material related issues and late deliveries whilst ensuring all changes and variations are captured and the impact evaluated and proposing alternative/corrective solutions.
- Work closely with and report to surrounding departments in support of business needs.
- New supplier evaluations - identify key strengths & weaknesses versus business requirements.
- Working knowledge and competence of interpreting technical drawings and translating technical requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience in a supply chain or procurement role.
- Experience in dealing with complex fast-paced cross-functional projects in an engineering, manufacturing, defence or related industry.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills along with the ability to manage suppliers, driving delivery efficiency and innovation.
- Strong commercial, sourcing & contract negotiation skills.
- In-depth knowledge of strategic procurement techniques and processes.
- Experience in using ERP systems.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Excel and full Microsoft Office suite.
- Would hold or be able to obtain SC level clearance.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Attention to detail.
- Organised and able to work to deadlines.
- Strong negotiation skills, versatile influencer capable of engaging and building long term collaborative internal and external relationships.
What's on offer
- Competitive salary
- 26 days holidays plus Christmas, Boxing Day, 1st and 2nd January
- Company pension
- Cycle to work
- Private Medical Insurance
- Early Finish on Fridays
- Opportunities for development and progression
- Great culture
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
You can find out more about James Fisher & Sons group companies and valued behaviours by watching a short film here: We are One James Fisher - YouTube
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. For more information Click here
Please note this role may require UK Security Clearance (SC).