Materials Buyer

Finlay Jude Associates; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the utilities industry seeks an experienced Materials Buyer in Glasgow. The role involves managing procurement activities, developing strategies, and building supplier relationships. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to procurement. This position offers competitive benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid Working

Car allowance

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Pension scheme

Health and Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of building strong relationships.
• Customer-focused approach to procurement.
• Proactive self-starter, confident in representing the Procurement function.

Responsibilities

• Deliver procurement activities across multiple projects.
• Collaborate with project managers and site teams.
• Develop procurement strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Customer-focused approach

Proactive self-starter

Commercially aware

Skilled networker

Ethical procurement practices

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Materials Buyer role based in the Stepps area of Glasgow. FJA are recruiting on behalf of a leading service provider in the utilities industry for an experienced Materials Buyer to strengthen their team.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Hybrid Working (requirements dependent)
• Car/car allowance (requirements dependent)
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays (with an additional 5 days available to buy)
• Contribution Pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Health Insurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• And many more benefits including cycle to work scheme, discounts and savings Hub, Kids Pass etc

Key responsibilities

Materials Buyer role: The Materials and Services Buyer is responsible for delivering procurement activities across multiple projects within a region. This includes sourcing materials, negotiating terms, placing of orders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services to support our projects. The role plays a critical part in cost control, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and site teams to identify procurement needs.
• Develop project procurement strategies/plans aligned with business goals.
• Lead tender processes (ITTs/RFQs) and supplier evaluations.
• Place orders and expedite deliveries to meet project timelines.
• Analyse market trends and risks for informed sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate commercial terms, service levels, and contracts with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with client and company frameworks.
• Manage committed project costs to mitigate financial risk.

Supply Chain Management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Resolve supply and service issues, act as primary escalation point.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Health & Safety obligations.

Process Management & Improvement

• Adhere to procurement policies, contracts, and regulations.
• Drive best practices and continuous process improvements.
• Promote sustainable procurement aligned with ESG objectives.
• Maintain and optimise the P2P system with accurate data.
• Support internal and external audits.

Performance, Reporting & Representation

• Prepare regional procurement performance reports.
• Represent the department professionally with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Share best practices and drive innovation.
• Undertake additional duties, training, or working hours as required.
• Proactively manage professional development through networking, conferences, and training.

Materials Buyer requirements:

Essential:

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of building strong relationships across functions, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Customer-focused approach to procurement, ensuring delivery aligns with business needs.
• Proactive self-starter, confident in representing the Procurement function independently.
• Commercially aware, with a strong understanding of cost drivers and risk management.
• Skilled networker, able to exert positive influence across the business.
• Dedicated to ethical procurement practices in line with CIPS Ethical Policy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a demonstrable history of effective application.
• Embodies and promotes the company's core values and behaviours

If you are looking for a fantastic Materials Buyer opportunity and want to work for a leading national contractor with opportunities to progress, then click on the 'apply now' button.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive we are not always able to reply to all applications. If you haven't heard back from us within 2 weeks, then please accept that your application has been unsuccessful for the role we currently have advertised.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Finlay Jude Associates Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers