Strategic Purchaser

Wärtsilä is a world leader in marine technology and leading the industry's transformation towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. With the world’s widest portfolio and service network, we – Wärtsilians - deliver efficient, safe and sustainable integrated products and solutions to enhance the business of our customers. The opportunities presented through digitalisation and new technologies are offering a new era of shipping. Did you know that shipping is the world’s most efficient mode of transportation and that 88% of the world's trade is carried by sea?

We want to change the course towards an interconnected and cleaner maritime future and are constantly on the lookout for future-oriented talent to join our team and to work towards enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services - together. Are you ready to jump onboard?

Wärtsilä Global Logistics Services & Supply Management (WGLS & SM) is dedicated to providing our customers with top-tier services through a fully integrated supply chain. Our global team expertly manages the entire logistics chain of Wärtsilä Spare Parts, enabling sales by ensuring maximum spare parts availability and on-time delivery.

We are now seeking a results-driven Strategic Purchaser to join our skilled Local Strategic Purchasing team.

The preferred location for this role is either Dakar, Senegal or Cape Town, South Africa, but we are also open to candidates based nearby various Wärtsilä locations in Europe. In line with our hybrid work model, you will have the flexibility to work partially remotely.

What will you be doing?

Local Strategic Purchasing team is responsible for local sourcing activities, with a focus on Logistics and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations). We ensure high quality, timely delivery, and optimised costs for products and solutions throughout their lifecycle.

As a Local Strategic Purchaser, you will play a pivotal role in managing supplier relationships, executing category strategies with your assigned supplier base, and safeguarding local business continuity. Your primary focus will be on the local supplier base in Africa.

Your responsibilities for the role include, but are not limited to:

• Executing the category strategy and Strategic Purchasing action plan in close cooperation with other team members.
• Acting as the local Supply Management representative, focusing on Logistics and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) matters.
• Performing stakeholder need analysis, standardising regular and frequent needs into supplier catalogues, and driving demand planning improvements together with relevant stakeholders.
• Conducting the strategic sourcing process for assigned categories, including supplier selection and validation, contract coverage, process integration, long-term capacity management, and local supplier base optimisation.
• Managing and developing the supplier base, relationships, and negotiations.
• Actively leading and supporting problem-solving in escalated issues from relevant stakeholders.
• Ensuring supplier performance and the availability of materials and quotations on customer demand.
• Collaborating with other departments to resolve escalated quality and delivery problems.

As the ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Relevant Education: BSc or MSc in Engineering, Economics, or similar educational background to support your role.
• Fluency in English: Both written and oral required, to effectively collaborate with our global team.
• Proficient French Language Skills: Not mandatory but highly beneficial for collaborating with our stakeholders and suppliers.
• Strong Networking Skills: Enabling you to connect with key stakeholders and understand their business needs.
• Experience in Supply Chain Management: Your background will help you hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Essential for leading and supporting the resolution of escalated issues.
• Logistics Experience: While not mandatory, it is a clear asset that will give you an edge.
• Negotiation Skills: Critical for managing and developing the supplier base, especially under pressure.
• Familiarity with SAP and/or Coupa Procurement Systems: This will help you quickly get up to speed with our daily operations.

Contact & next steps:

Does this sound like the job for you? If yes, we hope to hear from you before the application deadline by submitting your application (in English) in our Career portal.

Last application date: 27.03.2026

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.