Assistant Category Manager

Job Description

Role Overview

As Assistant Category Manager – Drydocking & Retrofit, you will be part of Maersk’s global procurement team, supporting strategic sourcing and category development for shipyard services related to vessel maintenance, upgrades, and retrofits. This role involves leading global procurement projects, managing supplier relationships, and driving innovation and sustainability. You will collaborate closely with technical, operational, and cross-functional stakeholders across geographies to deliver value and excellence in marine procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end global procurement projects for vessel drydocking, repairs, and retrofits.

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with cost, performance, and ESG goals.

• Negotiate shipyard contracts and ensure compliance with commercial and operational terms.

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive competitiveness and innovation.

• Monitor supplier performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify new suppliers and contribute to global coverage and risk mitigation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Work closely with internal stakeholders across fleet operations, technology, legal, and deployment teams.

• Represent procurement in cross-functional forums and drive alignment on strategic initiatives.

• Address operational queries and support decision-making with data-driven insights.

Digitalization & Process Optimization

• Champion digital tools and process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency.

• Support data modeling, spend analysis, and reporting accuracy.

• Contribute to automation and innovation within the category team.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Support Maersk’s decarbonization goals through responsible sourcing and supplier engagement.

• Ensure procurement activities adhere to compliance, ethical sourcing, and audit standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Solid procurement background, preferably within the marine industry with comprehensive understanding of procurement processes and supplier management.
• A strong negotiator with proven track record of successful negotiation outcomes, including contract terms, pricing, and supplier agreements.
• Strong digital and analytical skills, including data modeling and process design.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Able to collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts, and foster productive partnerships with suppliers and colleagues.
• Commercial mindset with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a global, fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English is a must.

Why Join Us?

Join Maersk’s global procurement team and be part of a transformative journey shaping the future of logistics. This role offers exposure to strategic sourcing, operational excellence, and sustainability within a dynamic, multicultural environment. You’ll collaborate across global supply chains, leverage digital tools, and contribute to Maersk’s commitment to decarbonization and responsible sourcing. As a leader in logistics, Maersk empowers employees through continuous development, innovation, and inclusive teamwork. Our values—Constant Care, Humbleness, Uprightness, Our Employees, and Our Name—guide everything we do, ensuring integrity, respect, and long-term impact. Be part of a purpose-driven organization that connects and simplifies global trade.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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