Overview
We are looking for a Purchasing Officer with West Africa experience to join our team. The role involves managing supplier relationships, processing purchase orders, coordinating regional logistics, and ensuring timely delivery while maintaining accurate records. Strong organizational, communication, and procurement skills are essential.
Responsibilities
General Purchasing Responsibilities
- Identify and evaluate suppliers for marine equipment, parts, and services to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to secure favourable agreements and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Process vessel requisitions, obtain quotations, issue purchase orders, and track shipments to ensure timely delivery in line with operational requirements.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to maintain optimal stock.
- Assess and verify the quality of purchased goods, managing returns or replacements when necessary.
- Stay updated on market trends, pricing changes, and supplier performance to support informed purchasing decisions.
- Support cost management and ensure compliance with internal financial guidelines.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier communication logs, and contract documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
- Ensure awareness and adherence to QHSE Management System and Company Policies.
West Africa Responsibilities
- Manage procurement activities for vessels and operations in West Africa, ensuring compliance with regional regulations and client requirements.
- Source and evaluate local West African suppliers, ensuring they meet company standards and Local Content requirements.
- Coordinate procurement of region-specific requirements such as: Local spare parts, Customs support documents, Import permits, temporary import approvals, or country-specific clearance requirements
- Work closely with local agents, clearing/forwarding providers, and port authorities to support seamless delivery of goods into West African ports.
- Monitor regional logistics challenges (e.g., port congestion, customs delays, security restrictions) and adjust purchasing timelines accordingly.
- Support the arrangement of secure transportation for deliveries in high-risk or restricted zones.
- Maintain strong communication with Operations, Crewing, and Technical teams to align procurement with West Africa operational needs.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably within the marine or logistics sectors.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build relationships with suppliers.
- Excellent analytical skills for evaluating supplier performance and pricing structures.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Experience with inventory management systems.
- Proficiency in purchasing software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with marine industry standards and regulations.
- Knowledge of supply chain optimization strategies.
