At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and supply chain operations, ensuring vessel requirements are met efficiently.
- Company: James Fisher, a global leader in maritime engineering services.
- Benefits: Competitive benefits, career growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and safety in global transport.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime operations while shaping procurement standards.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in maritime procurement and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Norwich or Barrow-in-Furness with Hybrid Working
The Role
The Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager leads purchasing and supply chain operations across Fendercare and Tankships, ensuring vessel requirements are met efficiently, suppliers deliver value, and procurement processes are followed.
Managing a small team, the role combines hands‑on procurement, supplier management, and continuous improvement, while supporting the Head of Supply Chain Management in driving operational excellence across the business.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced maritime procurement professional to take ownership of a growing purchasing function while helping shape procurement standards and supply chain performance across multiple business units
What you’ll be doing
- Oversee day‑to‑day vessel purchasing activities, ensuring requirements are fulfilled efficiently and supply issues are resolved promptly.
- Support critical vessel operations by managing supply risks and maintaining visibility of procurement activity.
- Source, evaluate, and develop suppliers to achieve the best balance of cost, quality, and service.
- Negotiate commercial terms, monitor supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement across the supplier base.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Purchasers and Supply Chain Coordinators.
- Promote high standards of performance, compliance, collaboration, and customer service.
- Drive consistent purchasing practices, governance, and procurement best practice across Fendercare and Tankships.
- Support supplier onboarding, quotation evaluation, and purchasing decision‑making.
- Support delivery scheduling, inventory management, and supply continuity to meet operational and vessel requirements.
- Mitigate supply chain risks and manage disruptions to minimise business impact.
- Ensure procurement data is accurately maintained and processes are consistently followed.
- Monitor key performance indicators, report on operational performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and delegated authority limits.
What we’re looking for
- Significant purchasing and supply chain experience within maritime, shipping, engineering, or a similar technical environment.
- Previous experience leading or supervising procurement and supply chain teams.
- Strong supplier sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management expertise.
- Knowledge of marine procurement, MRO materials, vessel operations, and international supply chain processes.
- Experience with ERP or vessel management systems (AMOS desirable).
- Understanding of import/export and customs requirements.
- Hands‑on leader with strong commercial awareness and decision‑making skills.
- Excellent organisational, problem‑solving, and prioritisation abilities.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and develop others.
- High attention to detail, process discipline, and resilience in a fast‑paced operational environment.
- Relevant procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience is valued equally to formal qualifications.
- CIPS Level 4 or above (or equivalent) desirable.
- Competitive benefits tailored to the division
- Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation
- A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions
- Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability
About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport.
With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments.
Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
With two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher is a trusted partner in the safe and efficient movement of the world’s critical resources.
As a market leader in ship‑to‑ship transfer and coastal shipping, we help customers protect people, cargo and infrastructure while shaping the future of global maritime transport.
- You can find out more about Maritime transport here
- Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page:
- James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager in Norwich employer: James Fisher Maritime Transport
At James Fisher Maritime Transport, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead impactful marketing initiatives in a dynamic global environment. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity and strategic thinking while making a significant contribution to the maritime industry.
Contact Details:
James Fisher Maritime Transport Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager in Norwich
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like James Fisher Maritime Transport and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
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Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at James Fisher Maritime Transport!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to James Fisher Maritime Transport:This is your chance to really connect with the team at James Fisher Maritime Transport. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher Maritime Transport
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with James Fisher Maritime Transport.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show James Fisher Maritime Transport that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at James Fisher Maritime Transport. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
