Purchaser

Damen Shipyards Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company based in the UAE is seeking an experienced Assistant Purchaser to manage Non-Product Related procurement activities. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years in procurement, a master’s degree in Business Administration or Logistics, and fluency in English, with Dutch as a plus. Responsibilities include negotiating with suppliers, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement processes. Join a dynamic team focusing on optimization and effective supplier management.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in a procurement role.
• Proven track record in procurement and supply chain processes.
• Highly proficient in English; Dutch preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage Non-Product Related procurement activities.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers for high performance.
• Negotiate prices and delivery terms.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Collaboration

Communication skills

Organizational awareness

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, or Procurement

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

We offer you an Ocean of Possibilities. Join our family.

About Us

Vacancy: Assistant Purchaser

Are you organized, analytical, and passionate about procurement and supply chain management?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy, negotiation, and collaboration drive results?

Damen Shipyards Group, established in 1927, is a 100% Dutch family‑owned international organization comprising 34 shipbuilding and repair yards. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees worldwide, the Group operates through a divisional structure consisting of seven divisions and a central holding company.

Damen Middle East Shared Services Limited, based in the United Arab Emirates, forms part of Damen Global Support. The entity provides specialized support services to the various divisions of the Damen Shipyards Group in key areas such as Finance, Audit, Legal, and Compliance.

Purpose of the Role

The Purchaser will independently manage and coordinate Non-Product Related (NPR) procurement activities for goods and services, ensuring optimal commercial conditions, strong supplier performance, and effective risk mitigation. The role will also contribute to category strategy development and supplier relationship management.

Position in the Organization

Department: Procurement NPR

Reports to: Manager Procurement and Category Manager or Senior Purchaser

Works closely with: Internal stakeholders (e.g., HR, IT, Facility Management, Finance) and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase goods and services based on internal demand and project requirements, following applicable procedures.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and high‑performing supply base.
• Request, collect and analyze quotations from suppliers.
• Negotiate prices, delivery terms, and realize contractual agreements within defined parameters.
• Place and follow up on purchase orders in the ERP system.
• Support to maintain Supplier Relationship Management System.
• Monitor delivery times, quality, and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Conduct market research and monitor cost trends for key commodities.
• Qualify and evaluate suppliers (both generically and project‑specific).
• Drive supplier improvement processes based on evaluations and performance.
• Develop and maintain quotation evaluations and cost‑driver insights.
• Propose standardization initiatives and manage framework contracts.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement tools, processes, and performance.
• Ensure accurate administrative processing and documentation.
• Understand and comply with all HSSEQ, business and legal compliance policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Logistics, Procurement) or equivalent professional ability.
• Proven track record and knowledge of procurement and supply chain processes of the purchase categories Non Product Related and Product Related Goods and Services.
• 7-10 years of experience in a procurement role.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and MS Office (especially Excel).
• Interest in procurement and supply chain processes.
• Highly proficient in English (written and verbal); Dutch is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Ability to independently assess and analyze procurement‑related business requirements.
• Ability to manage procurement projects while effectively considering multiple selection criteria.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers to align on and agree upon optimal solutions.

Job‑Specific Competencies

• Administrative efficiency
• Communication skills
• Initiative
• Organizational awareness
• Process discipline