Purchase Specialist

Vessel Purchasing Specialist – Drive Efficient Marine Procurement, Cost Savings & Reliable Vessel Support at Akamai Vessel Operations LLC Are you a detail-oriented procurement professional who enjoys solving supply challenges, building strong vendor partnerships, and keeping critical vessel operations moving? Join Akamai Vessel Operations LLC as a Vessel Purchasing Specialist, where you will manage full-cycle purchasing activities that support assigned vessels and ensure equipment, supplies, and services are delivered accurately and on time. In this role, you will work closely with Vessel Management teams, suppliers, and internal partners to plan purchase needs, process orders, monitor expenses, maintain documentation, and resolve supply chain issues. Your work will directly support operational readiness, cost control, vendor compliance, and reliable service across the fleet. Lead Vessel Procurement Planning & Order Management Coordinate purchasing activities that ensure vessels have the equipment and supplies needed to operate efficiently. Partner With Vessel Management: Work closely with vessel teams to plan routine and custom purchasing needs for equipment, supplies, and services. Gather Purchasing Requirements: Solicit and compile equipment specifications, quantity needs, delivery timelines, and operational priorities. Process Purchase Orders: Initiate, prepare, and manage purchase orders to support accurate and timely delivery. Monitor Order Status: Track open orders, communicate updates, and expedite delayed shipments when needed. Resolve Purchasing Issues: Coordinate changes, returns, replacements, credits, and other order-related concerns with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Build strong supplier relationships while supporting efficient, compliant, and cost-effective purchasing practices. Research and Recommend Suppliers: Evaluate supplier options, monitor availability, and identify opportunities to improve value and savings. Support Vendor Negotiations: Assist with vendor discussions, due diligence, and purchasing decisions that support quality, service, and cost objectives. Monitor Contract Compliance: Help ensure vendor selection, documentation, and purchasing activities comply with contracts and applicable requirements. Maintain Purchasing Records: Update, organize, and audit purchasing files, contracts, supplier information, and procurement systems. Support Accurate Invoicing: Coordinate with internal teams to confirm invoice accuracy and facilitate prompt supplier payment. Improve Procurement Processes & Performance Visibility Strengthen purchasing operations through organized processes, documentation, reporting, and continuous improvement. Develop Standard Processes: Document and maintain purchasing procedures, workflows, and best practices. Identify Improvement Opportunities: Recommend process enhancements that streamline supply chain activities, improve documentation, and reduce expenses. Track Key Performance Metrics: Analyze purchasing activity, expenses, supplier performance, and key operational measures. Prepare Purchasing Reports: Create and present reports, summaries, and insights related to purchasing activities and expenditures. Support Operational Excellence: Work independently and collaboratively to prioritize purchasing needs in a fast‑paced, changing environment. What You Bring You bring purchasing expertise, strong organization, and the ability to support vessel operations through accurate, timely, and cost-effective procurement. High school diploma or equivalent required Some college coursework preferred 4+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in marine equipment, industrial supply, or a closely related industry Knowledge of purchasing principles, procurement processes, and best practices for industrial, marine, or vessel equipment Experience coordinating purchasing activities, supplier communications, purchase orders, and documentation Ability to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and recommend practical solutions Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, manage competing requests, and meet deadlines Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with geographically dispersed teams General understanding of world geography General math skills and comfort reviewing purchasing data and expenses General knowledge of Nautical Systems 5 (NS5); proficiency strongly preferred Knowledge of vessel operations preferred Intermediate Excel skills and basic proficiency with Word, Teams, and Outlook Your Strengths You are dependable, analytical, and committed to helping vessel operations run smoothly through strong purchasing practices. Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and documentation skills Customer- and service-focused with the ability to respond quickly to operational needs Strong problem-solver who can manage changing priorities and resolve supply issues effectively Collaborative and professional when working with vessel teams, suppliers, and internal partners Cost-conscious with an ability to identify savings opportunities and process improvements Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with multiple deadlines and priorities Committed to modeling Excellence, Honesty & Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork Why You’ll Love Working at Akamai Vessel Operations LLC As a Vessel Purchasing Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting the fleet by ensuring critical equipment, supplies, and services are available when and where they are needed. Your work will directly contribute to vessel readiness, operational efficiency, supplier performance, and cost management. At Akamai Vessel Operations LLC, you will join a collaborative organization that values accountability, innovation, teamwork, and operational excellence. This role operates in a corporate office environment and requires regular use of computer systems, office equipment, communication tools, purchasing platforms, and vendor management resources. Screening Requirements The information included in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive or exhaustive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The salary range listed is based on the geographic zone associated with this role: Mint Hill, NC. If you are applying to work from a different location, the salary range may vary to align with the cost of labor and market conditions in that area. For applicants from other zones, we encourage you to reach out to us to confirm the relevant salary range for your specific location. Starting pay will be determined by job‑related factors including experience, education, and business needs and may be modified at any time. Zone 4: Starting rate $70,000; up to $78,000 for highly qualified candidates The Pasha Group family of companies are EOE/AA Employers - Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled/and other Protected Categories Ready to Make an Impact? Bring your procurement experience, problem‑solving skills, and commitment to operational excellence to Akamai Vessel Operations LLC. Help keep vessel operations supplied, supported, and ready to perform. #J-18808-Ljbffr