Purchasing Manager

Zodiac Maritime; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime organization based in London is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement operations for a fleet of 180 vessels. The role involves managing daily procurement activities, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies, and driving continuous improvement in procurement processes. Candidates should have over 10 years of marine procurement experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. This position is full-time and offers extensive growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in Marine Procurement at a regional/global level.
• 3+ years in a supervisory or team leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily marine procurement operations for the global fleet.
• Support the Head in identifying skills gaps and implementing training.
• Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Market awareness

Leadership skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, Supply Chain, or related fields

CIPS or equivalent procurement certification

MSc in Supply Chain Management or Engineering

Job description

The role

Position: Purchasing Manager

Contract type: Full Time

Reporting to: Head of Marine Procurement & Supply Chain

Location: London

Overview of role

The Purchasing Manager plays a key operational leadership role within the global marine procurement function, supporting the Head of Marine Procurement and Supply Chain in executing category strategies and ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of procurement services to a fleet of approximately 180 vessels.

This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the procurement team, coordinating sourcing and supply activities, and ensuring alignment with technical, operational, and financial objectives. The role focuses on ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of marine goods and services while strengthening supplier performance and delivering measurable value to the organisation.

You will be accountable for ensuring the Marine Procurement function as well as our Suppliers, operate in strict accordance with all company Health, Safety and Environmental; Anti-Bribery and Corruption; Ethical trading policy and Anti-Money Laundering policies, practices, and procedures.

Consistently meeting high standards of quality, performance and productivity.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

• In collaboration with the Head of Marine Procurement & Supply Chain and through the effective engagement with relevant Heads of Departments and General Fleet Managers, you will shape and execute the Technical Marine Procurement Strategy, to achieve value and efficiency for the business.
• Provide all necessary support to the managed fleet of vessels, Purchasing, Dry Dock, New Building and Fleet Technical teams.
• Lead and manage daily marine procurement operations, ensuring the timely sourcing and delivery of goods and services for the global fleet.
• Implement and oversee sourcing processes aligned with approved category and sourcing strategies.
• Ensure supply continuity while optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO), delivery performance, and quality standards.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex procurement issues and urgent supply needs.
• Provide leadership, coordination and coaching to the team, to enable them to achieve success in their roles, through the achievement of operational and financial metrics within their fleets.
• Support the Head in identifying skills gaps and implementing relevant training, mentoring, and succession planning initiatives.
• Establish, build, and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate and enable performance and delivery. This may involve constructively challenging the business demand / procurement practices to achieve value and efficiency for the business.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, resolve issues, and improve service delivery.
• With input from all shipping departments and the analysis of market conditions, set and drive KPIs with real time monitoring and applicable adjustments, to achieve cost-optimisation and continuous improvement in the delivery of marine goods and services.
• Accountable for the annual Technical Procurement budget and forecasts, with early identification, escalation, and resolution of areas of anomaly.
• Proactive and clear communication with stakeholders on the impact of market changes / conditions, on Marine Procurement operations and activities. Recommend solutions without compromising on quality and cost optimisation.
• Active participant in the development and implementation of innovative procurement processes such as eProcurement.
• Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes, tools, and systems.
• Ensure full utilization and data integrity of procurement systems for ordering, tracking, and reporting.
• Support category management activities, including data analysis, contract execution, and continuous improvement of supplier performance through performance reviews to ensure optimal terms and compliance.
• Enforce supplier onboarding protocols and conduct risk assessments to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Ensure adherence to internal procurement policies, QMS, Anti-Bribery and Corruption regulations, and relevant maritime standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and always ensure audit-readiness.
• Proactively manage procurement risks, including supply disruptions and compliance breaches, escalating when appropriate.

Skills profile

• Proven track record of achievement in delivering effective and commercially beneficial projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and concluding successful negotiations with global suppliers and vendors.
• Strong market awareness and in depth understanding of maritime supply chain components, regulations, market conditions, trade documentation, and insurances.
• A forward-thinking approach to procurement, systems, and controls. Experience in change management and system implementations would be an advantage.
• Highly developed leadership and team management skills. Strong leadership profile and willingness (and able) to “roll up sleeves” and lead from the front.
• Highly effective at building and sustaining relationships with all stakeholders, even in challenging situations.

Relevant experience & education

Experience

• 10+ years extensive experience in Marine Procurement at a regional / global level, including 3+ years in a supervisory or team leadership role.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field.
• CIPS or equivalent procurement certification preferred.
• MSc in Supply Chain Management or Engineering would be an advantage.

Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.