Materials Buyer

Finlay Jude Associates; Stepps; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the utilities industry is seeking an experienced Materials Buyer based in Stepps to manage procurement activities across multiple projects. Responsibilities include sourcing materials, negotiating terms, and collaborating with project teams. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills, a customer-focused approach, and a proactive mindset. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

A competitive salary

Hybrid Working

Car allowance

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Contribution Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Health Insurance

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts and savings Hub

Qualifications

• Ability to build strong relationships across functions and suppliers.
• Proven history of delivering procurement aligning with business needs.
• Confident in representing the Procurement function independently.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to identify procurement needs.
• Lead tender processes and supplier evaluations.
• Negotiate commercial terms with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Drive best practices and process improvements.

Skills

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Customer-focused approach

Proactive self-starter

Commercially aware

Skilled networker

Dedicated to ethical procurement practices

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

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

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Hybrid Working (Jobs needs dependent)
• Car/car allowance (Jobs needs 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

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.

Responsibilities

• 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