We are a technology company that is transforming operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive.

We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don't believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era.

We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don't stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there's definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea.

We only employ the best people. People with a desire for excellence, a curious nature, people who are thoughtful, humble, collaborative and accountable.

We reward our people well. Beyond what's usually considered to be the 'market average'.

The opportunities for people in our business can be limitless, spanning a multitude of disciplines and open to all, regardless of background and experience level.

We are not your average workplace.

Ocean Infinity is seeking a Senior Buyer within the IT category, to assist in the development of sourcing strategies to deliver value-for-money and improved services for Ocean Infinity’s Enterprise IT team. You will report into the Procurement Manager and will be responsible for managing the IT procurement category (IT hardware, Software, data services, PaaS, SaaS, IT consultancy and providing first stop in-house contractual advice in relation to supplier contracts). The purpose of this role is to work with internal stakeholders and external vendors to optimise the value delivered from Ocean Infinity third-party relationships for the supply of goods and services.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable expertise in IT category strategic procurement / supplier management role for multinational company. Regulatory experience regarding material outsourcing, cloud outsourcing and operational resilience is essential. The successful candidate will also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, able to challenge in a positive way.

Work Country: UK

Work Location: Southampton

Division/Department: Procurement

Reports to: Head of Procurement

What will you do:

• Supports the Head of Procurement to deliver on agreed targets, service delivery and reporting while seconded to Ocean Infinity’s Enterprise IT team;
• Leads, coordinates and supports a variety of strategic supplier commercial and contractual initiatives. Key measures are the achievement of cost optimisation, risk management and ensuring contracts are negotiated, and supplier relationships are managed, in line with Ocean Infinity procurement and ESG standards and policies;
• Supports the business in all contractual and supplier management queries, reporting and associated activities;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to determine IT procurement needs and priorities, and make recommendations for cost-effective solutions;
• Delivers cost optimisation and other value add benefits to Ocean Infinity supplier relationships through framework agreements and rebates;
• Reviewing and approving third party commercial contracts for all IT services and outsourcing agreements;
• Conducts IT market analysis, on strategic suppliers and alternative market leading vendors;
• Supports tactical and strategic sourcing projects (including vendor screening) via approved channels and facilitates storage of associated contracts;
• Lead on contract management activities, tracking on delivery against contractual terms and seeking improvements where possible.

Who you are:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in IT procurement, demonstrating experience with IT hardware and software procurement, vendor and contract management with strong cooperative contract negotiation skills;
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills;
• Assertiveness, high tenacity, ability to work in a team as well as in a self-motivated and flexible way towards agreed objectives;
• Analytical skills and experience analysing spend and using market insights to support the development of category / sourcing strategies;
• IT Procurement experience preferably in a corporate environment, including sourcing, preparation and execution of tenders from identifying requirement through the cycle to renewal/ retender;
• Proven track record of identifying and delivering cost savings and other added value initiatives;
• Knowledge of contract law and ability to work alongside our in-house legal team for contract negotiations;
• Familiarity with IT-related regulations, compliance requirements, and industry standards;
• Thoughtful, thorough and conscientious;
• Interested in others and strives to act in the best interests of the team;
• Ability to take ownership and engagement in the work;
• Integrity, credibility and maturity for confidential issues;
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with diplomacy;
• Ability to work as a trusted advisor with senior stakeholders;
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Strong interpersonal and people management skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Driven, proactive and able to work autonomously with little supervision towards the company's purpose;
• Critical thinking and ability to show initiative;
• Open and receptive to new and different ideas;
• Ability to work well in a team and independently;
• Enthusiastic about protecting people and the planet.

Desirable:

• Further qualifications: Certified Technology Procurement Specialist (CTPS), Certified IT Asset Management;
• Knowledge of ERP and PMS systems - DNV ShipManager and Oracle NetSuite;
• Some experience of using e-sourcing tools / P2P platforms (COUPA / ARIBA);

MCIPS – qualified or working towards qualification (preferred);

• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills: pivot tables, VLOOKUP, SUM, ODBC.