Project Purchaser

Project Purchaser

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for exciting naval and commercial projects, ensuring top-notch supplier performance.
  • Company: Join Wärtsilä Defence Solutions, a global leader in innovative marine technologies.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career growth, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of sustainable operations.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong problem-solving abilities required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Limited (WDSL) delivers integrated shaft line systems, packages and products for naval and commercial marine applications.

Our solutions help customers improve lifecycle efficiency, reduce operational risk and support environmentally sustainable operations.

We are now looking for a Project Purchaser to join Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Limited on a permanent basis in Havant, UK. We can offer this working on a hybrid basis.

As a Project Purchaser, you will report directly to the Supply and Demand Manager.

Working closely with colleagues across WDSL and the wider Shaft Line Solutions (SLS) business, you will provide a solution focussed input across project procurement needs, acting as the lead cross-function collaborator between the supply chain function and the Engineering business within the project scope, helping to ensure the business continues to operate effectively and robustly within a highly regulated environment.

This is an opportunity to join a business as it further gears up in terms of supply chain activity and help form process and procedures to help form the future direction of a growing defence business.

Main responsibilities

You will be accountable for the selection, management and performance of suppliers for services and product required for customer project deliveries.

  • Identify appropriate suppliers/partners for the supply of materials, equipment and services for customer related projects.
  • Review and verify technical specifications and requirements as basis for request for quotations in accordance with the project requirements.
  • Participate in or execute supplier audits and follow-up the audit action plan.
  • Negotiate supply contracts with suppliers.
  • Supply and maintain supplier metrics and supply KPIs for the projects(s).
  • Participate in project reviews, input to project plans, timelines, and costs.
  • Manage and/or develop supply performance to meet set targets for quality, delivery time, cost, and lead time.
  • Handle supplier relations to maintain, improve and develop performance in supplier and related processes.
  • Maintain supply data to relevant systems in defined area of responsibility.
  • Gather and analyse spend and supplier performance data as well as execute benchmarking to continuously improve supplier performance.
  • Secure supplier capacity to meet future demands.
  • Development of the project management processes as related to procurement and supply chain management.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have

  • Experience in managing risk within the project supply chain.
  • Ability to provide credible professional guidance to business, managing project supply chains relationships and issue resolution.
  • A proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for developing process and procedures within function.
  • The ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound, evidence-based solutions.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
  • A high level of integrity and commitment to good governance.

Please note that this position requires the successful candidate to initially complete a BPSS background clearance and the need obtain and maintain the appropriate Security Clearance (SC level).

Any applicants must have (and be able to evidence) the right to work in the UK. We are not considering sponsorship or international relocation for this role.

Why you and us

You are valued as your true self.

At Wärtsilä, we believe in diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute, develop and thrive.

We support our people in building meaningful careers through continuous learning, collaboration and opportunities for growth.

Contact & next steps

Please submit your application through our Careers portal.

Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email.

We anticipate starting interviews in mid-August

For further questions please reach out to Jason Crouch, Talent Partner, through email jason. crouch@wartsila. com with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to).

At this stage we are not engaging agency partners for this position.

Last application date: 04/08/2026

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 .

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Project Purchaser employer: Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the marine technology sector. Based in Havant, the company provides flexible hybrid working arrangements, fostering a supportive environment for professional growth and collaboration. Employees benefit from opportunities to enhance their skills through training and development, while contributing to a meaningful mission of transforming the maritime industry towards a cleaner future.

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Contact Details:

Wärtsilä Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Purchaser

Get Savvy with Industry Perks

Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!

Show Off Your Skills

Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Wärtsilä.

Tap into Your Network

Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!

Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards

With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Purchaser

Supplier Management
Technical Specification Review
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Audits
Project Procurement
Risk Management
Continuous Improvement Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!

Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Wärtsilä:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Wärtsilä. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!

Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Wärtsilä.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wärtsilä

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!

Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Wärtsilä!

Understand Market Trends

As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Wärtsilä. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.

Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude

A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Wärtsilä's culture.