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?

We are now seeking a results-driven

Strategic Purchaser

to join our skilled Strategic Purchasing team. The position is temporary for 12 months and the preferred location for this role is Trieste, Italy, but we are also open to candidates based in Genova, Italy, Drunen, Netherlands; Bermeo, Spain; and various Wärtsilä locations in Finland. In line with our hybrid work model, you will have the flexibility to work partially remotely.

What will you be doing?

The 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 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 South Europe.

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 GLS Supply Management representative, focusing on Logistics, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) and local spare parts 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.
• Familiarity with SAP and/or Coupa Procurement Systems: This will help you quickly get up to speed with our daily operations.
• Fluency in English: Both written and oral, to effectively collaborate with our global team.
• Proficient Italian or Spanish Language Skills: Not required but highly beneficial for collaborating with our stakeholders and suppliers.
• Experience in Supply Chain Management: Your background will help you hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
• Logistics Experience: While not mandatory, it is a clear asset that will give you an edge.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Essential for leading and supporting the resolution of escalated issues.
• Negotiation Skills: Critical for managing and developing the supplier base, especially under pressure.
• Strong Networking Skills: Enabling you to connect with key stakeholders and understand their business needs.

Contact & next steps 

We hope to hear from you soon, by submitting your application through our careers portal. We aim to keep you updated on the process throughout. 

For further questions please reach out to Lintala Jarno, Team Leader Strategic Purchasing through email jarno.lintala@wartsila.com with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to). 

Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy!

Last application date: 29/06/2025 

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.