Buyer (Sourcing Specialist)

NES Fircroft; Newry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider is seeking a Buyer (Sourcing Specialist) based in Newry, Northern Ireland. This full-time permanent role involves sourcing and procurement of engineering components, supplier management, and compliance with ISO standards. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in procurement with strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment. The company offers competitive benefits including career development, healthcare plans, and travel opportunities.

Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Free Life Assurance

Company Pension Scheme

Healthcare Plan

Paid holidays

Employee Perks Card

Free On‑site car parking

Canteen Facilities

Travel Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a procurement/operational role.
• Strong understanding of supply chain processes and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure components for engineering projects.
• Negotiate pricing and manage supplier contracts.
• Manage customs declarations for US imports.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proactive mindset

Adaptability

Education

GCSE qualifications

Job description

Buyer (Sourcing Specialist)

Location: Newry, Northern Ireland

Job Overview

Our client, an engineering solutions provider, is seeking a highly organised and technically minded Sourcing Specialist to support both UK and US operations. Working closely with our engineering and operations teams, you will be responsible for procurement, asset record management, compliance, and supplier engagement. You will play a key role in ensuring timely, cost‑effective procurement; managing equipment and stock; supporting compliance processes; and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage across our operations. This role is ideal for someone with strong engineering awareness, excellent organisation and negotiation skills, and the ability to prioritise and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

Duties

Sourcing

• Source and procure mechanical, electrical, and industrial components, tools, machinery, and services for engineering and maintenance projects.
• Interpret technical specifications and liaise with engineering teams to ensure accurate ordering.
• Place and track purchase orders, managing lead times to meet production schedules.
• Support contract and supplier agreement reviews.
• Build and maintain relationships with approved suppliers in the UK and US.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities including certifications, capacity, and lead times.
• Ensure all deliveries to job sites are received, checked, and recorded.
• Approve supplier invoices and ensure correct coding for finance reporting.
• Issue purchase orders for company purchases.

Stock Management

• Negotiate pricing and long‑term contracts.
• Monitor cost‑saving initiatives and track KPIs.
• Maintain a stock of all spares, hosing, generators, pumps, and equipment in yard and on‑site systems.

Operations Support

• Procure the hire of equipment required for projects, ensuring all requests are placed in advance to accommodate supplier lead times and avoid delays to project schedules.
• Provide holiday cover for other operational colleagues.

Customs Declarations & Import Processes

• Manage customs declarations and processes for US imports.
• Maintain registers of commodity codes, country‑of‑origin information, and required documentation.
• Maintain and renew EPA exemptions for US equipment.
• Maintain and renew NHTSA exemptions for imported vehicles.

Company Insurance

• Source and renew insurance policies for UK and US entities, ensuring legal and operational compliance.
• Liaise with brokers and insurers to secure competitive premiums and appropriate coverage.
• Maintain accurate insured asset registers, including equipment, machinery, and changes to job locations/storage.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Support the SHEQ Manager in maintaining the company’s integrated management system (IMS) ensuring compliance with ISO standards.
• Support annual ISO audits, liaising with auditors and internal departments to ensure readiness and compliance across all required areas.
• Ensure the asset register including fleet (HGV, vans, engines, hoses, pumps) and any other equipment requiring maintenance schedules, lifting certifications, hose register and testing, and document register are up‑to‑date.
• Maintain a comprehensive Document Register, ensuring all operational and compliance documents (e.g., certificates, manuals, checklists) are tracked and current.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal departments as the need arises.
• Perform any other duties as reasonably required by management, aligned with the jobholder’s role within the company.

Essential Criteria

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in a fast‑paced operational setting, showcasing their ability to excel in a dynamic environment.

Key criteria include

• Strong organisational skills: ability to maintain structure and manage multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Attention to detail: sharp attention to detail, ensuring all communications, schedules, and records are meticulously handled and error‑free.
• Proactive mindset: demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, take initiative, and proactively offer solutions to improve processes.
• Effective communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with colleagues at all levels and handling external client interactions professionally.
• Adaptability: proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, with flexibility to manage shifting priorities and demands.
• Confidentiality: ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality.
• Self‑motivation and initiative: highly self‑motivated, capable of working independently and taking initiative in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical proficiency: advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel: flexibility to travel as required by the role.
• Alignment with company values: ability to consistently work in alignment with the company’s core values.
• Educational requirements: minimum of GCSE qualifications.
• Experience requirements: minimum of 5 years experience in a procurement/operational role, demonstrating knowledge of processes and procedures.

Details

• Duration: Full Time Permanent
• Location: Lislea, with travel required
• Hours of Work: 8am to 5pm
• Remuneration: £
• Benefits: Career Development Opportunities, Free Life Assurance, Company Pension Scheme, Healthcare Plan, Paid holidays, Employee Perks Card, Free On‑site car parking, Canteen Facilities, Travel Opportunities

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market‑leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.