Project Purchaser

Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Limited (WDSL) delivers integrated shaft line systems, packages and products for naval and commercial marine applications. Our solutions help customers improve lifecycle efficiency, reduce operational risk and support environmentally sustainable operations.

We are now looking for a Project Purchaser to join Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Limited on a permanent basis in Havant, UK. We can offer this working on a hybrid basis.

As a Project Purchaser, you will report directly to the Supply and Demand Manager. Working closely with colleagues across WDSL and the wider Shaft Line Solutions (SLS) business, you will provide a solution focussed input across project procurement needs, acting as the lead cross-function collaborator between the supply chain function and the Engineering business within the project scope, helping to ensure the business continues to operate effectively and robustly within a highly regulated environment.

This is an opportunity to join a business as it further gears up in terms of supply chain activity and help form process and procedures to help form the future direction of a growing defence business.

Main responsibilities:

You will be accountable for the selection, management and performance of suppliers for services and product required for customer project deliveries.

• Identify appropriate suppliers/partners for the supply of materials, equipment and services for customer related projects.


• Review and verify technical specifications and requirements as basis for request for quotations in accordance with the project requirements.


• Participate in or execute supplier audits and follow-up the audit action plan.


• Negotiate supply contracts with suppliers.


• Supply and maintain supplier metrics and supply KPIs for the projects(s).


• Participate in project reviews, input to project plans, timelines, and costs.


• Manage and/or develop supply performance to meet set targets for quality, delivery time, cost, and lead time.


• Handle supplier relations to maintain, improve and develop performance in supplier and related processes.


• Maintain supply data to relevant systems in defined area of responsibility.


• Gather and analyse spend and supplier performance data as well as execute benchmarking to continuously improve supplier performance.


• Secure supplier capacity to meet future demands.


• Development of the project management processes as related to procurement and supply chain management.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:

• Experience in managing risk within the project supply chain.


• Ability to provide credible professional guidance to business, managing project supply chains relationships and issue resolution.


• A proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for developing process and procedures within function.


• The ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.


• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide sound, evidence-based solutions.


• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.


• A high level of integrity and commitment to good governance.

Please note that this position requires the successful candidate to initially complete a BPSS background clearance and the need obtain and maintain the appropriate Security Clearance (SC level).

Any applicants must have (and be able to evidence) the right to work in the UK. We are not considering sponsorship or international relocation for this role.

Why you and us

You are valued as your true self. At Wärtsilä, we believe in diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute, develop and thrive. We support our people in building meaningful careers through continuous learning, collaboration and opportunities for growth.

Contact & next steps:

Please submit your application through our Careers portal. Applications submitted via email will not be considered. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email.

We anticipate starting interviews in mid-August

For further questions please reach out to Jason Crouch, Talent Partner, through email [email protected] with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to). At this stage we are not engaging agency partners for this position.

Last application date: 04/08/2026 

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.

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