Buyer

About the Role

Buyer
Westhill, Aberdeenshire
Full-time, Permanent

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.

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.
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


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.


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