Technical Purchaser (Shipmanagement)

Role Overview

We are seeking a Technical Purchaser to manage the procurement of spare parts, machinery components, stores and services for vessels under management.

The successful candidate will work closely with Technical Superintendents, shipboard teams and suppliers to ensure timely, accurate and cost-effective purchasing that supports vessel maintenance and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle vessel purchasing requirements from requisition through delivery and invoice verification.

• Review requisitions and clarify specifications, quantities and urgency with vessel teams and Technical Superintendents.

• Source marine spare parts, machinery components, consumables, stores and technical services.

• Obtain and compare supplier quotations based on price, quality, specifications, lead time and delivery terms.

• Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms and delivery arrangements.

• Prepare purchase orders in accordance with approval procedures and vessel budgets.

• Monitor outstanding orders and expedite urgent supplies to minimise operational disruption.

• Coordinate deliveries with suppliers, freight forwarders, port agents and vessels.

• Arrange consolidation and forwarding of supplies to ports worldwide.

• Resolve incorrect supplies, damaged items, delivery delays and invoice discrepancies.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier details and order trackers within the procurement system.

• Support supplier evaluations and develop reliable alternative sources.

• Coordinate with vessel teams on spare-parts availability and inventory requirements.

• Monitor purchasing expenditure and identify opportunities for cost savings.

• Work closely with Finance to reconcile invoices and support timely supplier payments.

• Prepare purchasing reports and assist with procurement audits when required.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Marine Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business or a related discipline.

• 3 to 5 years of purchasing experience within a ship-management company or marine procurement environment.

• Good knowledge of marine spare parts, machinery components, stores and vessel purchasing processes.

• Able to interpret equipment descriptions, part numbers and technical specifications.

• Experience coordinating international deliveries and supplies to vessels.

• Strong negotiation, supplier-management and cost-comparison skills.

• Familiarity with marine procurement platforms, ERP or fleet-management systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple vessel requirements and deadlines.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Able to work independently and coordinate effectively with shipboard and shore-based teams.

• Willing to support urgent purchasing matters outside standard working hours when required.