Job Types: Full Time
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Work Location: Helston, Cornwall
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Application deadline: 23 August 2026
About fourth element
Are you passionate about the ocean and committed to making a difference? At fourth element, we are a market-leading dive equipment and water sport apparel company, dedicated to creating products that perform in the most demanding environments whilst minimising our impact on the environment.
About the job
We're looking for an experienced Buyer to join our Product team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of our product development process, helping to bring new ideas to market by building strong supplier relationships, negotiating the right commercial outcomes and supporting the development of innovative products.
Working closely with the Head of Product, Head of Finance and colleagues across the business, you'll manage buying activities from the earliest stages of product development through to readiness for the first production order. You'll be responsible for supplier sourcing, negotiations, product costing, market research and helping to keep development projects on track.
The role works across our Main Product Range, Bespoke and FELSA products (Government, Public Safety, Military and Industrial), supporting the development of commercially successful products whilst maintaining the quality and performance standards fourth element is known for.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead buying activities across the Main Product Range, Bespoke and FELSA product ranges.
- Develop and manage supplier relationships to deliver quality, innovation, competitive pricing and reliable supply.
- Ensure suppliers achieve industry standards for human rights, safety and ethical practices.
- Responsible for obtaining relevant certification and auditing of suppliers; working closely with our head of compliance
- Negotiate supplier costs, commercial terms, lead times and manufacturing capabilities.
- Take ownership of product costing and commercial analysis throughout the product development process.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis, including Recommended Retail Price (RRP) benchmarking.
- Identify and develop suppliers capable of supporting our bespoke product offering.
- Work closely with Product Development to source commercially viable materials, products and manufacturing solutions.
- Take ownership of the buying critical path, product costing and commercial analysis throughout the product development process, ensuring projects remain on schedule.
- Work directly with the Head of Finance to support pricing decisions and the successful transition into operational purchasing.
- Collaborate with Product, Finance, Logistics and Compliance to support the successful introduction of new products.
- Prepare commercial updates and buying reports for the monthly Trade Meeting.
What you’ll bring to Fourth Element
· Experience in a buying, procurement or commercial sourcing role.
· Experience of sourcing and managing overseas suppliers.
· Strong commercial negotiation skills.
· Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret commercial, product and market data.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business systems.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and product development projects; maintaining strong attention to detail.
· Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
· Commercial awareness and an interest in product innovation.
· An understanding of SCUBA diving or a willingness to develop knowledge of the sector.
Where you’ll be working
This role will be based in our head office in Helston, Cornwall
Benefits:
· Casual dress
· Company pension
· Additional holidays for length of service
· Employee discount for personal and gift use
· Cycle to work scheme
· On-site parking
· Sick pay
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are encouraged.
Please apply by sending your CV to Julia@fourthelement.com