Director Port & Cargo Procurement

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS (Norway); Bærum; On-site; NOK 1,300,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS is seeking a senior leader to head the global Port & Cargo Procurement team, overseeing roughly USD 600 million in annual spend across stevedoring, towage, pilotage and related services, with a footprint in the US, China, Korea and Sweden. Based in Lysaker, Norway, the role focuses on shaping category strategy, supplier partnerships, and commercial performance.

You will lead a cross-geography team, drive data-driven decision making and build capabilities within the

Qualifications

• 10+ years in strategic procurement, category management or commercial management.
• Strong experience in category strategy, sourcing, negotiations and supplier management.
• Experience leading and developing teams across geographies and cultures.
• Intellectually curious and data-driven with a broad commercial mindset.
• Strong analytical capabilities and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience from shipping, ports or terminals is strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in Business, Economics or related discipline.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the global Port & Cargo Procurement team.
• Shape and execute category strategies across the portfolio.
• Identify and realise value across demand, how we buy and what we pay, improving cost, service quality, operational reliability and port call performance.
• Lead strategic sourcing, negotiations and contract management.
• Build transparency across spend, supplier performance and operational demand, using data, analytics and market insights to identify opportunities and drive fact-based decisions.
• Strengthen strategic supplier relationships, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Shipping Services and other key stakeholders to challenge existing approaches and develop better commercial and operational solutions.
• Shape the future ways of working and capabilities within Port & Cargo Procurement as part of the continued build-up of the wider Procurement function.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Negotiations

Supplier management

Data analytics

Leadership across geographies

Education

Master's degree in Business/Economics

Job description

We are looking for an intellectually curious, data-driven and commercially minded procurement leader to lead our global Port & Cargo Procurement team and further develop how we manage approximately USD 600 million in annual spend across stevedoring, towage, pilotage and other port and cargo services. Leading a global team of eight procurement professionals across the US, China, Korea and Sweden, you will work closely with Shipping Services and our supplier network to strengthen category management, commercial performance and supplier partnerships across our global operations. This is a role where you can make a real impact. You will have the opportunity to shape how Port & Cargo Procurement develops going forward, while playing an active part in building a forward leaning procurement function at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the global Port & Cargo Procurement team.
• Shape and execute category strategies across the global Port & Cargo portfolio.
• Identify and realise value across demand, how we buy and what we pay, improving cost, service quality, operational reliability and port call performance.
• Lead strategic sourcing, negotiations and contract management.
• Build transparency across spend, supplier performance and operational demand, using data, analytics and market insights to identify opportunities and drive fact-based decisions.
• Strengthen strategic supplier relationships, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Shipping Services and other key stakeholders to challenge existing approaches and develop better commercial and operational solutions.
• Shape the future ways of working and capabilities within Port & Cargo Procurement as part of the continued build-up of the wider Procurement function.

This is an opportunity to lead a strategically important global procurement area, challenge established approaches and help define what great Port & Cargo Procurement looks like at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The role will be based at Lysaker, Norway, with local contract, terms and conditions.

What we are looking for

• 10+ years of experience within strategic procurement, category management or commercial management.
• Strong experience in category strategy, sourcing, negotiations and supplier management.
• Experience leading and developing teams across geographies and cultures.
• Intellectually curious and data-driven, with a broad commercial mindset that goes beyond traditional sourcing and negotiation to identify value across demand, specifications, sourcing models and commercial terms.
• Strong analytical capabilities and the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience from shipping, ports or terminals is strongly preferred.
• Experience creating value in markets with limited competition is an advantage.
• Master’s degree in Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• Fluency in English.

Who We Are

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, you'll join a global leader in shipping and logistics with more than 9,000 colleagues across 28 countries. Together, we help move vehicles, equipment, and goods around the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our ambition is to lead the way in transforming shipping and logistics. Our success is built on our people. Rooted in a strong safety culture and guided by our values – We Care, We Challenge, We Commit – we create an environment where people can grow, contribute, and perform at their best. As a global company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, we offer international opportunities within a collaborative and values-driven culture.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities and an Inclusive Workplace

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, our people are fundamental to our success. We believe in the power of bringing people together and value the unique experiences, skills, and perspectives every individual brings. These differences strengthen our ability to support our customers, drive innovation, and succeed as a global organisation. By fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute, we create better outcomes for our people, our customers, and our business. By joining WalWil, you are not just taking on a role. You are joining a global team of over 9,000 people across 28 countries, where you can play a part in shaping shipping and logistics to be cleaner, smarter, and better for future generations. We believe careers grow through purpose, learning, and collaboration. Here, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, work with experienced colleagues, and contribute to meaningful work that supports customers and communities around the world. If you are motivated to learn, make an impact, and be part of a global team, WalWil could be the place for you. For more than 150 years, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has connected people, businesses, and markets across the world. What began as a mission to move goods and enable trade has evolved into a global shipping and logistics company focused on innovation, operational excellence, and a more sustainable future. But our story is defined as much by our people as by our business. Guided by our values—We Care, We Challenge, and We Commit—we foster a culture where people are empowered to grow, speak up and make a meaningful impact. Behind every achievement is the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our teams. Across 28 countries, colleagues come together with diverse perspectives and a shared purpose: creating value for our customers, communities, and one another. It is this spirit that makes WalWil not only a leader in our industry, but also a place where people can build rewarding careers and contribute to something bigger than themselves.