Buyer

At US Ocean, our success is rooted in our people. Rise to the challenges of marine transportation and logistics. Department: Procurement Reports To: Director Business Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Job Classification: Full Time Location: Plantation, Fl., Tampa, FL (on-site) (hybrid) Schedule: This position generally follows a standard business schedule, Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. Occasional work outside of these hours, including evenings or weekends, may be required to meet operational needs. Supervisor Responsibility: N/A Travel Requirements: <10% Summary/Objective The Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing ship components and spare parts requested by the ship’s crew and shoreside management team. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of ships and their associated spares, as well as expertise in global logistics and shipping. This role requires the ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with vendors worldwide. A strategic thinker who can drive cost efficiencies and ensure the highest quality standards are met. Attention to detail is an absolute must. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Source and procure ship components and spare parts according to company requirements. Evaluate and negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best terms for pricing, quality, and delivery. Create and maintain strong relationships with vendors globally, ensuring reliable supply chains and fostering long-term partnerships. Monitor market trends and conduct thorough market analysis to identify potential new suppliers and cost-saving opportunities. Collaborate with technical teams to understand requirements and specifications for ship components and spares. Oversee global logistics and shipping processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Resolve any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing with suppliers in a timely manner. Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, savings achieved, and supplier performance. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes and systems. Required Qualifications Highly proficient with Microsoft Office (Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) Experience in the Maritime industry. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a procurement role, preferably within the maritime or shipbuilding industry. Preferred Qualifications Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field. Working knowledge of ship specific ERP’s e.g. NSE, Amos or similar. In-depth technical knowledge of ships and their spares. Extensive knowledge of global logistics and shipping processes. Proven track record of successfully negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Willingness to travel as required. Competencies Communication – Effectively communicates with shipboard personnel, authorities, and internal stakeholders. Ability to identify and quickly adapt to changes in priorities. Safety Leadership – Promotes safe work practices, hazard identification, and regulatory compliance. Operational Awareness – Understands vessel operations, navigation principles, and engineering frameworks. Problem Solving – Assists in resolving operational challenges and recommending solutions. Situational Judgment – Responds appropriately in fast-paced operational environments. Work Environment & Physical Demands Work performed in office, aboard vessels, and in port/terminal environments. Exposure to outdoor conditions such as heat, humidity, wind, rain, and noise. Occasional access to areas requiring climbing ladders, entering confined spaces, and navigating uneven surfaces. Travel required for port calls, dry-dockings, inspections, and vessel support. Ability to move around vessels, terminals, and shipyards safely. Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift to 25 lbs., and use standard office equipment. Adequate vision, hearing, and balance for marine environments. EEO and Legal Disclaimers US Ocean is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at naomi.murrell@usocean.com. Employment with US Ocean is 'at-will.' This means either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. If applicable, final candidates will be subject to a background check in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Prior to conducting the background check, US Ocean will obtain the candidate’s written consent. The results of the background check may impact the hiring decision. Additional Notes: Remote Work Requirements: Must have access to a reliable internet connection and a designated workspace free from distractions. Work Hours and Availability: Expected to maintain core work hours and be reachable via company communication tools as dictated by business operations. Data Security and Equipment: Responsible for safeguarding company-issued equipment and complying with all IT security protocols and remote access policies. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Job descriptions may be revised periodically to reflect organizational needs and/or compliance updates. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled US Ocean. Your Mission. Our Momentum. US Ocean is a leading American ocean provider of worldwide transportation for automobiles, aircraft, oversized, and hazardous cargoes. Through our diversified U.S. flag fleet of multi-purpose, heavylift and pure car pure truck carriers (PCTCs), we serve as a key link in the wider defense and commercial supply chains, and deliver for our customers, when and where they need us most. At US Ocean, we comply with all national and international regulatory requirements for safety, security, and environmental protection and take our duty to protect the cargo and personnel in our care seriously. US Ocean is part of the SEACOR family of companies Reasonable Accommodation US Ocean is committed to providing an inclusive workplace environment free from discrimination. In support of this, Waterman works to ensure that none of its policies, practices, work arrangements, or facilities have discriminatory effects on individuals or on groups protected under applicable federal legislation. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please email HumanResources@usocean.com to let us know the nature of your request.