Vessel Purchasing Specialist

About the role

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. Your work will directly support operational readiness, cost control, vendor compliance, and reliable service across the fleet.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate purchasing activities that ensure vessels have the equipment and supplies needed to operate efficiently.
• Work closely with vessel teams to plan routine and custom purchasing needs for equipment, supplies, and services.
• Solicit and compile equipment specifications, quantity needs, delivery timelines, and operational priorities.
• Initiate, prepare, and manage purchase orders to support accurate and timely delivery.
• Track open orders, communicate updates, and expedite delayed shipments when needed.
• Coordinate changes, returns, replacements, credits, and other order-related concerns with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate supplier options, monitor availability, and identify opportunities to improve value and savings.
• Assist with vendor discussions, due diligence, and purchasing decisions that support quality, service, and cost objectives.
• Help ensure vendor selection, documentation, and purchasing activities comply with contracts and applicable requirements.
• Update, organize, and audit purchasing files, contracts, supplier information, and procurement systems.
• Confirm invoice accuracy and facilitate prompt supplier payment.
• Document and maintain purchasing procedures, workflows, and best practices.
• Identify process enhancements that streamline supply chain activities, improve documentation, and reduce expenses.
• Analyze purchasing activity, expenses, supplier performance, and key operational measures.
• Create and present reports, summaries, and insights related to purchasing activities and expenditures.

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• General understanding of world geography
• General math skills and comfort reviewing purchasing data and expenses
• Basic proficiency with Word, Teams, and Outlook
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Knowledge of vessel operations preferred
• Proficiency in Nautical Systems 5 (NS5) strongly preferred

Skills

• Purchasing expertise
• Strong organization
• Customer- and service-focused approach
• Problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative and professional demeanor
• Cost-consciousness
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities

Benefits

At Akamai Vessel Operations LLC, you will join a collaborative organization that values accountability, innovation, teamwork, and operational excellence. Work Environment: Corporate office environment with regular use of computer systems, office equipment, communication tools, purchasing platforms, and vendor management resources.

Pay

$70,000 - $78,000 for highly qualified candidates

Schedule

Full-time position