At a Glance
- Tasks: Source goods and services to support sustainable business growth and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Wärtsilä, a leader in innovative technology for marine and energy markets.
- Benefits: Empowering work culture, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for travel and personal development.
- Why this job: Join us in shaping a decarbonised future through innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in strategic purchasing; strong negotiation skills required.
Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and a more sustainable future that we can all be proud of. We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent.
The position is permanent and the location is Havant.
What you will be doing:
As Strategic Buyer, you will play a key role in sourcing goods and services that support the organisation’s long-term objectives, and to develop and execute sourcing strategies that deliver value, reduce risk, and support business growth by building strong supplier partnerships, resulting in a competitive supply chain. You will work closely with the local team and wider business Operations and Sales teams, and you will report to the Supply and Demand manager, for whom you will deputise.
Your responsibilities include:
- Manage and develop supplier base, performance, relationships and negotiations.
- Drive future supply capacity in cooperation with the needed functions in own area of responsibility.
- Lead/support/participate in developing supply chain strategy, securing supplier capacity and long term forecasting.
- Create and update agreements with suppliers and maintain supplier master data.
- Ensure Quality, Delivery, Lead Time and Cost development and Compliance of materials and services.
- Gather and analyse spend and supplier data, execute benchmarking, provide data to the relevant functions.
- Support non-conformity/warranty process management in escalated issues.
- Secure compliance to Supply Management processes/procedures, tools, strategies and agreements.
- Execute/support material/services for cost budgeting and follow-up.
- Execute/support supplier life cycle management process.
To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:
Required qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Experience: Experience in a strategic purchasing role within a highly regulated industry
- Skills: Strong negotiation and influencing skills, commercial acumen, good understanding of cost analysis, supplier relationship management.
- Certifications: CIPS
- Other Requirements: Ability to travel in the UK and internationally. Ability to attain SC clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a supply chain related subject or CPPS L6
- Experience: Experience in a high precision, low volume, engineering company. Experience with Continuous Improvement processes of ERP / MRP systems.
- Skills: Knowledge using SAP and Power BI;
- Certifications: Continuous Improvement.
In this role, some travel is required to meet with our customers and suppliers within the UK and around the world. Thus, we hope you to be ready to travel approximately 10%, even though most of the meetings are held virtually.
Why you and us?
We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other’s growth and co-creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative. We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don’t always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition?
We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.
Contact & next steps
We hope to hear from you soon, by submitting your application through our careers portal. We aim to keep you updated on the process throughout. Please reach out to Richard Budd at Richard.Budd@wartsiladefence.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).
Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy!
Last application date: 08/09/2026
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.
Strategic Purchaser employer: Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of empowerment, innovation, and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Strategic Buyer to thrive. Located in Havant, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and the sharing of ideas, all while contributing to the company's mission of creating sustainable solutions for the marine and energy sectors. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Wärtsilä stands out as a rewarding workplace for those passionate about making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic 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 Strategic Purchaser
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.
