Job Description – Purchaser

Position Overview

The Purchaser will be responsible for handling the complete procurement cycle for all allocated vessels, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and quality supply of spares, stores, provisions, services, and repairs. The role requires strong vendor management, negotiation skills, and close coordination with technical and operations teams to maintain uninterrupted vessel operations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Management
Manage end-to-end procurement of stores, spares, provisions, lubricants, bunkers, and services for all assigned vessels.
Ensure requisitions from vessels are processed efficiently and in line with company procedures.
Source, evaluate, and select vendors ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery.
Vendor & Contract Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ship chandlers, and service providers globally.
Negotiate terms, contracts, and credit facilities to achieve cost savings and favorable supply arrangements.
Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, reliability, and delivery timelines.
Compliance & Documentation
Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, budgetary controls, and international shipping standards.
Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and delivery receipts.
Coordinate with accounts for timely payment and reconciliation of supplier invoices.
Coordination with Stakeholders
Liaise with Superintendents, Masters, and Chief Engineers to understand vessel-specific requirements.
Coordinate with logistics and freight forwarders to ensure smooth delivery at ports worldwide.
Provide regular updates on purchase order status and resolve supply chain disruptions.
Cost & Efficiency Control
Monitor and control procurement budgets for assigned vessels.
Identify opportunities for cost optimization and alternative sourcing.
Participate in vendor audits and cost benchmarking exercises.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Marine Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience in the shipping industry (technical stores & spares preferred).
Strong knowledge of marine equipment, consumables, and international supply chains.
Familiarity with procurement software/ERP systems (e.g., ShipServ, Danaos, Sertica, or similar).

Skills & Competencies

Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
Strong communication and coordination ability across multicultural teams.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple vessel requirements simultaneously.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
Good understanding of Incoterms, customs, and port regulations.

Reporting

Reports to: Procurement Manager / Head of Supply Chain
Works closely with: Technical Superintendents, Vessel Masters, Chief Engineers, Accounts & Logistics teams

Safesea Group

Latest Jobs

Purchaser - Shipping Industry