Buyer - Marine, Technical & Indirect Procurement

-; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainable adventure company based in the UK is seeking a Buyer responsible for managing procurement in marine and technical categories. The role involves collaborating closely with Operations Leadership and requires expertise in multi-port supply chains in expedition or cruise contexts. Candidates must have over 5 years of relevant experience, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a commitment to sustainability. This position allows for hybrid working, fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in marine and technical procurement.
• Ability to manage multi-port supply chains in a cruise or expedition context.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Create and process purchase orders from requisitions generated by vessels.
• Monitor procurement trends and market conditions.
• Align procurement activities with operational needs.

Skills

Marine and technical procurement experience

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Project management skills

Analytical skills with numerical and qualitative data

Fluency in English

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

ERP systems (TM Master)

Job description

A bit about the role:

At HX our purpose is to awaken people to the beauty and fragility of the planet, with adventure that reignites a sense of wonder. We take curious travellers to incredible destinations, sustainably in true expedition‑style with science and education at the heart of every journey. We bring them off the beaten track, to special destinations across the Arctic, Antarctic, Galapagos, British Isles, Alaska, Northern Norway, and Central / South America.

The Buyer is responsible for managing procurement activities across marine and technical categories, as well as indirect spend (SG&A) as needed. The role requires experience in expedition or cruise operations, particularly an understanding of multi‑port supply chains where goods must be sourced, transported, and delivered to vessels across various locations. Close collaboration with Operations Leadership, including Marine and Technical functions, is critical to ensure procurement supports operational requirements effectively. This position is part of the procurement team, with primary focus on suppliers and provisional port calls in the Americas and Europe.

At HX, we are a passionate team who deliver our global operations from every corner of the world and our people are instrumental in continuing to inspire this adventure, play their part and deliver on our promise of guest‑centric and memorable experiences, benefiting the communities we visit, enriching our guests and inspiring a more sustainable world – to change the way they see the world.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

• Create and process purchase orders (POs) from requisitions generated by vessels.
• Monitor procurement trends and market conditions in assigned regions.
• Align procurement activities with Marine and Technical operational needs.
• Manage indirect categories (SG&A), balancing quality, service, risk, and cost as needed.
• Oversee logistics considerations related to multi‑port deliveries and vessel supply chains.
• Support project owners with procurement input on accountability, timelines, and deliverables.
• Provide objective input into procurement‑related decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships across relevant regions.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational procurement objectives.
• Utilize ERP systems (TM Master) and Microsoft Office tools for procurement processes and reporting.
• Travel internationally to support suppliers, operations, and vessel port calls.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Think sustainably and bring this mindset to their team and partners.
• Champion the HX Spirits.

About you:

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience including experience in marine and technical procurement.
• Ability to manage multi‑port supply chains in a cruise or expedition context.
• Commercially capable with the experience to balance cost, quality, and service in decision‑making.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial acumen, with ability to assess cost/benefit impacts.
• Project management skills and structured problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast‑paced, pressurized environment.
• Strong organizational and planning capabilities.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency in procurement.
• Sustainability awareness and consideration in sourcing decisions.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Fluency in English is required. Multi‑lingual skills ideal.
• Experience in expedition or cruise operations with multiple ports of call.
• Operational mindset to understand vessel operations, multi‑port logistics, and supply chain continuity.
• Experience in indirect procurement (SG&A) beneficial, but not required.
• Comfortable learning new software and systems.
• Strong analytical skills with both numerical and qualitative data.
• Clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage tasks and responsibilities in an ever‑changing environment.
• Experience working in a multi‑national organisation with a global guest mix.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Key Personal Attributes/Behavioural Competencies:

• Ownership & Accountability - takes responsibility for actions, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement - builds strong relationships with Operations Leadership, vessel teams, and suppliers.
• Problem‑Solving Orientation - addresses challenges with pragmatic solutions.
• Adaptability & Resilience - remains effective under pressure and in changing circumstances.
• Negotiation & Influence - secures favourable outcomes while maintaining constructive relationships.
• Integrity & Professionalism - acts ethically, upholds company values, and builds trust.
• Safety and Compliance minded for yourself and others.
• Excited to work in a hybrid work environment to leverage time in person with colleagues across the business.
• Passionate about inclusion and belonging. You take pride in bringing people and different perspectives together to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Approach work with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy to minimize mistakes.
• Effective & confident communication skills.
• Analytical Thinking.
• Positive and solution‑minded.