Head of Procurement

Location: Aberdeen – Group Headquarters

Reports to: Chief Technology Officer

About North Star: North Star is the UK’s market-leading fully integrated shipowner-operator, delivering mission-critical offshore infrastructure support services across the offshore wind and oil and gas sectors. Headquartered in Aberdeen with operational bases in Lowestoft, Newcastle and Hamburg, the company employs around 1,400 offshore and onshore personnel.

Established over 138 years ago to support the fisheries industry, North Star has since built five decades of proven expertise in the energy sector. Today, it operates a fleet of 48 vessels, including 42 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs) that provide continuous support to approximately 50 North Sea installation around the clock, 365 days a year.

In support of the energy transition, North Star has invested over half a billion pounds in offshore wind, delivering its first four Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), with two additional SOVs under construction. The company has also launched its first two Commissioning SOVs to meet the increasing demands of Europe’s offshore wind market.

As the UK’s largest employer of offshore cadets, North Star is committed to the future of maritime, investing around £1 million annually since 1996 to train the next generation of deck and engineering professionals.

By combining safety, service, and quality, North Star delivers reliable, high-performance support in some of the world’s most challenging offshore environments.

The Head of Procurement will lead the procurement function for the company’s fleet, overseeing all aspects of purchasing, supply chain management, and vendor relations. You will ensure that goods and services are procured cost-effectively, delivered on time, and in compliance with both internal standards and international maritime regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing for the fleet, including technical spares, provisions, lubricants, and services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ship chandlers, and service providers globally.
• Negotiate contracts and frame agreements to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.
• Responsible for inventory control systems, ensuring optimal stock levels on board vessels and in warehouses.
• Collaborate with technical department to forecast demand and plan procurement.
• Ensure compliance with international standards, flag state requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives in quality, delivery, and cost.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in purchasing within a ship-owning, ship management, or maritime supply environment.
• Strong knowledge of marine equipment, spare parts, and international shipping supply chains.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency in procurement and ERP systems; maritime-specific software experience is an advantage.
• Strong commercial awareness and cost control focus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
• Degree in Maritime Studies, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented and highly organised.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive, with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

What We Offer

• Key role in a dynamic, international shipping company.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to travel and engage with global maritime suppliers.
• A collaborative work environment with strong emphasis on professional growth.

To Apply:

Please apply on our careers website at the following link https://www.north-star.co.uk/careers

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.