Operative Purchaser

Wärtsilä; Poole; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in marine technology seeks an Operative Purchaser in Poole, England. The role involves executing sourcing processes, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring procurement aligns with business objectives. Candidates should have proven sourcing experience, strong negotiation skills, and a commitment to sustainability. This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects and support a cleaner future.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in sourcing and procurement.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing operations, tools, and methods.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing processes and activities.
• Contribute to supplier selection and evaluation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for sourcing alignment.

Skills

Sourcing and procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Collaboration skills

Knowledge of sourcing operations

Job description

Water and Waste business unit (WAW) is a true end-to-end business as part of Wärtsilä Portfolio Businesses. WAW is a global leader in designing and supplying innovative wet and dry waste equipment and freshwater generation solutions for passenger vessels & conventional waste management and ballast water treatment equipment for all marine segments. WAW has the industry’s broadest product offering to secure beyond compliant operations for our marine customers.

Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.

We want to transition the world towards a cleaner future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

We are seeking a dedicatedOperative Purchaser to execute sourcing activities, manage supplier relationships, and ensure the procurement of materials and services aligns with our organisational goals and standards in our Water Systems business based in UK, Poole, Dorset.

What will I be doing?

This role will have you at the heart of our New Build / Projects side of the business, as their purchaser this will include the following duties (but not limited to):

• Attend meetings on upcoming Projects, including Gate Completion, Cost Build Up, Order Status Reviews, and any others as needed in line with the Project Management Team
• Raise Purchase Orders for Material and/or Services for Projects as per their requirements in line with SQDC
• Liaise with Suppliers for Orderbook Updates, Quality Issues, Engineering Issues, or any other issues, and communicate this and any potential resolutions with the respective department and /or your manager.
• Work Closely with Planning Department to make sure all required Material and Goods are delivered in line with the customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing processes and activities, ensuring effective and efficient procurement in alignment with business needs, guidelines, regulations, and procurement plans.
• Contribute to supplier selection and evaluation, contract negotiation and management, and develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to secure favorable terms, fulfillment of product requirements and specifications, and good supplier performance.
• Execute supplier selection, evaluation, and performance management processes. Partake in resolving supplier quality and performance issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sourcing activities with business objectives.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of sourcing processes and practices, incorporating sustainability and ethical considerations.
• Maintain accurate supplier data and procurement records for analysis and reporting. Utilize data and analytics to inform sourcing decisions and optimize the supply chain.
• Analyse supplier performance data to monitor outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Proven experience in sourcing and procurement.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing operations, tools, and methods.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.

Next steps

• The only accepted method of application is via our careers portal using the link below.

Why you and us?

You are valued – as your true self. At Wärtsilä YOU matter. We value diversity and are committed in supporting inclusive work community. Your growth is supported. We believe in continuous learning & teamwork. Wärtsilian community has your back when it comes to development opportunities – so you can develop beyond your potential.

You get to make a difference. Innovation and sustainability are important for us. Every day, we - Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.

Contact

Does this sound like the job for you? If yes, submit your application before the deadline through our Careers portal. Applications submitted via email or through recruitment agencies will not be considered. Our recruiting tool recognises the time zone where the job ad has been published and closes the application period according to the same time zone. We will be conducting interviews with qualified candidates throughout the process and aim to keep you informed along the way.

Last application date: 14/12/2025

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.

#FuelYourPower