Overview:
MacTaggart Scott is seeking a motivated and proactive Buyer to support sourcing and delivery of goods and services on time, within budget, and to quality standards. This role offers the chance to join a collaborative team working on impactful engineering projects. The ideal candidate will have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex tasks under pressure. Excellent communication and time management skills are essential. The role includes close support initially to develop your understanding of defence procurement and company systems, progressing to greater independence with experience.
As a Buyer, you’ll build strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers, support business reviews and project milestones, and contribute to ongoing process improvement. You’ll analyse supplier and category performance, produce insightful reports to guide procurement strategy, and ensure accurate data management within our IFS system. Compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and audit support are also part of this varied role
About us:
MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities will include:
* Support delivery of the Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy to help achieve the company’s corporate goals.
* Maintain proactive cross-functional relationships (e.g., Production Planning, Goods In, Quality) to ensure stock and order planning align with business needs.
* Assist in achieving company-wide material rationalisation objectives.
* Prepare, issue, and analyse quotations to support contract award activities.
* Manage order raising, approvals, issue resolution, and supplier acceptance, addressing any discrepancies including technical, quality, and invoicing matters.
* Support the MTS outsource subcontractor supply chain process from need identification to sourcing, onboarding, contract agreement, and supplier management.
* Assist in supplier negotiations, including review and negotiation of contractual terms.
* Manage procurement contract kick-off and ongoing contract management to ensure all commercial and technical requirements are met.
* Develop and maintain category management plans with oversight from functional management.
* Ensure export/import compliance in collaboration with the MTS Trade Compliance department.
* Maintain accurate procurement data in systems, including ERP, to support supplier, contract, and bid management.
* Ensure all activities comply with company policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
* Maintain the order book and manage timely execution of requisitions to support project schedules.
* Provide commodity management expertise for appointed areas, identifying supply chain risks, opportunities, and cost factors to mitigate overall risk.
* Attend and support internal meetings such as project updates, bid reviews, procurement, and planning sessions.
* Manage supplier performance across commodity areas, driving visibility of metrics and improvement plans.
Essential Requirements:
* Contract and supplier management awareness.
* Supply chain principles and techniques.
* Understanding of stock ordering systems and ordering models.
* Experience of outsourcing supply management.
* Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
* Effective communication skills (written, oral and presentation).
* Previous experience in use of ERP systems.
* Competency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
* Be able to work positively and collaboratively with the wider stakeholder community, both internal and external.
* Good standard of school / college education or CIPS Level 3.
* Be able to pro-actively and effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and deliver results.
* Have self-discipline, motivation, the ability to organise your workload and overcome problems as they arise.
The successful candidate must hold or be able to meet the appropriate Security Clearance as required.
Desirable:
* Background in defence related procurement, in particular marine based products.
* Commodity / Category management experience.
* Sub contract management experience including engineering design reviews, gateways and part definition
* Full membership of Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
Benefits
Your future at MacTaggart Scott – What we offer
* As part of our Healthy Work-Life Balance employees can choose between a 4- or 5-day working week. Allowing you to fit work around your priorities and personal life, not the other way round.
* We offer flexible working hours between 07:00 and 19:00, and core hours of 09:30 – 15:30.
* Our leave policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, plus more.
* We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, with a dedicated Learning and Development team.
* We’re committed to your wellbeing with access to our comprehensive online wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Programme, and an onsite nurse to support you when needed.
* Enjoy the convenience of an onsite canteen, free parking, and a secure cycle-to-work scheme to make your daily routine easier.
* We also offer a generous company pension plan, exclusive employee discounts, and free flu vaccinations to help you stay healthy.
* In addition, our comprehensive health & wellbeing programme is here to support you, along with life insurance for peace of mind and sick pay to help you when you need it most.