Strategic Purchaser

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?

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 Toyama, Japan or Kobe, Japan, but we are also open to candidates based in Tokyo, Japan. In line with our hybrid work model, you will have the flexibility to work partially remotely.

What will you be doing?

As a Strategic Purchasing team is responsible for local sourcing activities, with a focus on Logistics,MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) and local spare parts. 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 Japan and Oceania.

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, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) and local spare part 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 Japanese Language Skills: Required 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: Not mandatory but 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.

Application deadline: 12/11/2026 at 23:59 in JST time

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. 

Last application date: 12/11/2026 

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.