Strategic Purchaser, Indirect Procurement

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 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 – want to join the ride?

We are seeking a Strategic Purchaser, Indirect Procurement in Japan. This is a permanent position based primarily in Tokyo or Kobe.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving strategic indirect procurement initiatives, delivering services and tools that support business operations, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Your primary focus will be Japan, with additional support provided to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

What will you be doing:

As Strategic Purchaser, Indirect Procurement, your work will focus on these responsibilities: 

• Execute Category and/or Regional Indirect Procurement strategies and action plans
• Identify stakeholders’ needs and lead strategic sourcing events
• Manage supplier base. Leverage spends across sub-region and region if appropriate
• Identify cost saving and process improvement opportunities
• Acts as expert to Indirect Purchasing tools and process (e.g. Coupa, SAP)
• Manage supplier base and key supplier relationship covering Japan, Australia, PNG mainly but not limited to. 
• Follow up and analyze supplier performance via SRM and VMS (supplier performance evaluation tool), implementing preventive and corrective action plan for low performance suppliers
• Develop, define, and implement standard purchasing items (catalogs, etc.) to promote automated and highly efficient Indirect Procurement process
• Manage relationship with key stakeholders to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies and best support business needs
• Build strong rapport with stakeholders and local Key suppliers
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure understanding and compliance with purchasing directives

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Bsc in Supply Chain Management (SCM), Procurement, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in category management role within supply chain or procurement, or 3-5 years’ experience in SCM operations. Experience in indirect procurement categories is an advantage.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and professional integrity.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Focused and can-do attitude.
• Good understanding of procurement, commercial contracts, and supply chain legal compliance requirements.
• Good teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Technical and Product Knowledge for SCM.
• Contract business understanding.
• Fluency in both English, and Japanese, written and spoken

Why you and us 
You are valued – as your true self. At Wärtsilä we value diversity and are committed in supporting inclusive work community.  

Your growth is supported. We believe in continuous learning & teamwork. Wärtsilian community has your back when it comes to development opportunities – so you can develop beyond your potential. 

You get to make a difference. Innovation and sustainability are important for us. Every day, we put our hearts and minds into enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.  

Contact & next steps
Submit your application before the deadline through our Careers portal. Applications through email will not be considered. After submitting your application you’ll receive a confirmation email. We try our best to get back to everyone within 2-3 weeks after application deadline.  

Please apply by 06/10/2026 at 23:59 Japanese Standard Time. Our recruiting tool recognizes the time zone where the job ad has been published and closes the application period according to same time zone

Last application date: 06/10/2026 

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.