Strategic Purchaser

Wärtsilä; Havant; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in marine technology is seeking a Strategic Purchaser to enhance supplier relationships and manage sourcing processes. The role involves strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and ensuring compliance with supply management processes. Join us in shaping a sustainable future.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a supply chain role, preferably in defence, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and expand the global supplier base to meet long-term business needs.
• Support and develop supplier relationships, performance, and negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with Supply Management processes, tools, strategies, and agreements.

Skills

Analytical

Communication

Negotiation

Solution-oriented

Proactive

Job description

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Wärtsilä is a world leader in marine technology, leading the industry's transformation towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. With the world’s widest portfolio and service network, we – Wärtsilians - deliver efficient, safe, and sustainable integrated products and solutions to enhance our customers' businesses. The opportunities through digitalisation and new technologies are ushering in a new era of shipping. Did you know that shipping is the world’s most efficient mode of transportation and that 88% of the world's trade is carried by sea?

We aim to steer towards an interconnected and cleaner maritime future and are constantly seeking future-oriented talent to join us in enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services. Are you ready to jump onboard?

We are now looking for a Strategic Purchaser to join our team working for a better future. The preferred location for this position is Havant, UK.

What You Will Be Doing

The Strategic Purchaser is responsible for strategic sourcing from suppliers and managing the responsibility area. You will develop and expand the global supplier base to meet long-term business needs and will lead the timely introduction of new sources or products in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting and developing supplier relationships, performance, and negotiations in cooperation with OP and Supply Chain Manager.
• Creating and updating agreements with suppliers and maintaining supplier master data.
• Participating in negotiations, securing supplier capacity, and supporting long-term forecasting.
• Ensuring quality, delivery, lead time, cost development, and compliance for materials and services.
• Analyzing spend and supplier data, benchmarking, and providing insights to relevant stakeholders.
• Managing sourcing and quality assurance processes involving PPAP and validation procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with Supply Management processes, tools, strategies, and agreements.
• Supporting cost budgeting and follow-up for materials/services.
• Monitoring supplier performance and supporting supplier development initiatives.
• Communicating progress and escalating issues as necessary.
• Supporting contract management activities, including renewals and amendments, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications for Success

• Proven experience in a supply chain role, preferably in defence, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of direct material cost drivers and experience in implementing cost reduction strategies.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Solution-oriented, proactive, and result-driven attitude.
• Self-guided team player capable of operating under pressure.
• Negotiation skills and ability to maintain network relationships.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and changing environment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Some travel is required (approximately 40%) to meet with customers, though most meetings are virtual.

Why Join Wärtsilä?

We believe in empowerment, ownership, and responsibility. We support growth, co-creation, and encourage initiative. Our environment fosters authenticity, honesty, and safety, where everyone can voice opinions freely. We are passionate about building sustainable societies through smart technologies and innovation.

Contact & Next Steps

Please submit your application via our careers portal. For questions, contact Jess Baxter at [e-mail]. We do not accept applications via email or through agencies.

Join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy sectors!

Application deadline: 26/05/2025

Wärtsilä values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. A security check may be required depending on the country.

About Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for marine and energy markets, with over 18,300 professionals across 77 countries.