Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement

The Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement is primarily responsible for sourcing and purchasing essential goods and services necessary for the smooth operation of maritime activities. This includes negotiating contracts for vessel supplies, equipment, spare parts, and seismic processing software. The role also involves evaluating suppliers, managing risks related to procurement, and collaborating with technical teams to understand the unique requirements of the maritime seismic sector.

Candidates for the Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement position should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Science, or a related technical field. Ideally, they should also possess 5-10 years of relevant procurement experience within the maritime industry, with strong negotiation skills, exceptional analytical abilities, and proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Key skills for a Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement include exceptional negotiation and communication abilities, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work independently in high-pressure environments. Additionally, familiarity with international procurement practices and logistics related to global shipping is crucial. Attention to detail when dealing with contracts and technical documentation is also vital.

A Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement collaborates closely with project managers, technical specialists, and vessel operations teams. This collaboration ensures that they fully understand the technical specifications and performance requirements for maritime and seismic equipment, enabling them to make informed procurement decisions and source the right products and services for their organization.

Challenges for a Supply Chain Specialist - Procurement in the maritime industry include navigating complex technical specifications, managing global supply chain risks, and ensuring timely delivery of critical equipment. Additionally, they must handle the intricacies of international logistics, including customs regulations and the management of dual-use goods, all while maintaining the operational efficiency of maritime seismic surveys.

When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you managed procurement needs related to maritime operations. Discuss the types of goods and services you procured, the challenges faced, and how you negotiated contracts to achieve favorable terms.

Emphasize your systematic approach to evaluating suppliers, which should include assessing their reliability, quality of goods, cost-effectiveness, and past performance in maritime projects. Discuss how you build relationships and maintain communication with potential suppliers.

Mention any procurement software you have experience with, particularly those specific to the maritime industry. Highlight how you've used these tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Provide a specific example where you successfully identified a potential risk in procurement, such as delays in equipment delivery or geopolitical issues, and explain the steps you took to mitigate that risk.

Share your strategies for maintaining composure under pressure, such as prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and communicating effectively with your team to ensure that procurement needs are met promptly.

Discuss your negotiation style, emphasizing your ability to balance cost against quality and reliability. Talk about specific contracts you've negotiated in the maritime sector and the outcomes of those negotiations.

Explain your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, engaging in continuous education, and networking with other professionals in maritime procurement.

Discuss your understanding of relevant environmental and safety regulations in the maritime sector and how you incorporate compliance checks into the procurement process, ensuring all suppliers meet these standards.

Provide an example where collaboration with technical teams was critical to your procurement decisions. Highlight how understanding their requirements helped you source the right equipment or services.

Articulate your belief that a successful procurement strategy hinges on understanding both the technical and commercial aspects of the industry. Emphasize the importance of building strong supplier relationships, maintaining flexibility, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall goals.