Strategic Buyer

Cathelco, part of the Evac Group, is a world-leading marine industry supplier with over 60 years of experience. We specialize in manufacturing equipment for ships and offshore installations, including marine growth protection systems and impressed current cathodic protection systems. Join us at the forefront of cutting-edge marine technology worldwide.

**Purpose of the Role**: As the Strategic Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, planning, and implementing sourcing and procurement strategies within Cathelco. This involves collaborating with global heads of procurement, logistics & development to harmonize Cathelco with global strategies. Your focus will be on establishing key purchasing contracts, managing global and local inventory, and ensuring the smooth operation of the procurement department.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Investigate, secure, negotiate, and manage new global suppliers, with a specific emphasis on Asia.
- Establish key purchasing contracts, conditions, and parameters for effective day-to-day purchasing.
- Lead the procurement functions within Cathelco, supporting manufacturing, assembly, electrical departments, and all procurement, leasing, and warehouse functions.
- Ensure all procurement activities are cost-effective and ethical, adhering to laws, rules, and regulations.
- Improve procurement and inventory management systems, processes, and best practices in alignment with strategic objectives.
- Develop Material Requirement Planning (MRP) processes and work closely with the business’s ERP.
- Collaborate with the Sales Team to develop procurement forecasts.
- Manage budgets and build strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Monitor, record, and positively affect procurement KPIs, ensuring the quality and certainty of supply.
- Create contingency plans for consistent supply, including alternative sources.

**Key Performance Indicators**:

- Supplier OTD / Quality Score
- Variable Cost Reporting (Labour, Shop Supplies, R&M)
- Inventory Value
- PI Counting and Accuracy of Inventory in ERP
- DIS
- Total Supplier Spend
- Direct Material Spend
- Active Supplier Count Reduction

**Required Skills and Experience**:

- Experience in establishing and managing new global supply partners, particularly in Asia.
- Previous experience managing and coordinating a procurement team and global supply chain.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Hands-on experience in budgeting and procurement management.
- Proficient and experienced in using ERP/MRP business systems.
- Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, and organizational skills.
- Outstanding negotiating skills and a strong analytical mindset.
- Leadership qualities including integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence, and positivity.
- Ability to manage conflict.

**Advantageous Qualifications (Not Mandatory)**:

- Working knowledge of the Cathelco product range and marine industry.
- Knowledge of class requirements relating to MGPS, ICCP, and RO water makers.
- Experience in the Marine, Offshore industry, and military markets.
- Full driving license.

**Qualifications (Not Mandatory but Advantageous)**:

- Leadership and/or management qualifications (e.g., CMI, NVQ, BTEC, ILM).
- Procurement/purchasing management/supply chain management qualifications (e.g., CIPS, IoSCM).
- Lean manufacturing qualifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Data Analysis).