From planning to realization: Strategic purchasing for the shipyard of the future

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – that means huge shipyards, impressive frigates and state-of-the-art technologies. Every day, numerous processes interact at our sites. What seems like a well-oiled machine is the result of intensive work and strategic organization. Torben is one of the brains behind the scenes and ensures that everything runs smoothly at the shipyard.

Torben has been a strategic buyer at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems since 2021. As a trained Industrial Business Management Assistant, Torben ensures that the shipyard's construction requirements are met. What sounds quite simple at first is actually a varied and challenging area of responsibility.

Strategic purchasing in shipbuilding

“My job is to coordinate across departments, from obtaining and evaluating offers to negotiating contracts and maintaining business relationships in the construction industry,” explains Torben. “I also define the general procurement strategy in the 'construction services' product group.” A responsible area of responsibility that requires a high level of expertise and strategic thinking.

What Torben particularly appreciates about his work is the opportunity to contribute directly to the success of projects through strategic action in purchasing. “It's fascinating to see that I have a direct influence on the success of a project through my purchasing and procurement activities,” says Torben.

null — Strategic purchasing at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is future-oriented and goes far beyond the mere procurement of goods and services.

Teamwork and a good working environment are just as important to Torben as exciting tasks. “I like working with people in a team and together towards a common goal on a wide variety of construction projects,” says Torben. “That and the hands-on mentality of the construction industry in combination with the core tasks of purchasing led me to this job,” he says.

Another advantage of his job is that Torben is always up to date thanks to regular exchanges with others. “Conversations with business partners, suppliers and contacts from the industry help to identify trends early on,” he explains. “In addition, the daily news helps to identify trends in the industry.”

Investment in the future: the new training workshop at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

Torben is currently involved in a project that is actively shaping the future of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems - the conversion of an existing building into a new training workshop. “As part of the Future Shipyard team, we are implementing a variety of construction and infrastructure projects,” explains Torben.

The conversion of the building into the future training workshop will create space for large office areas as well as training and seminar rooms. “The special thing about this is that the building is not being built from scratch, but an existing building is being converted. This presents many exciting challenges in terms of planning, implementation and the contract model with the construction company,” says the strategic buyer. A project that not only requires his expertise and his eye for innovative solutions, but also his ability to master challenges.

“Sport has taught me many important lessons that I can also apply in my day-to-day work,” says Torben. “Commitment, passion and team spirit. It's just as important to accept setbacks and learn from them.”

Strategic procurement in transition: shaping the industry with new talent and trends

Looking at the current trends in the industry, such as the rapid development of artificial intelligence, Torben sees some exciting developments in store for procurement. “It is of course difficult to look ten years ahead,” says the buyer, ”but what is already happening on a daily basis in other areas could also be used in strategic purchasing.” For example, AI systems could be used to automate tasks and free up capacity to focus on the procurement of products and services in more complex markets.

This is precisely why it is important for potential applicants not to be satisfied with the way things have been done so far. “Always question existing processes and don't be afraid to introduce new ways, ideas and approaches to procurement,” advises Torben. If you are open to innovation and want to play an active role in shaping change, then the procurement department of the future is the right place for you.

You can find more exciting insights into our research and technologies at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in our stories. We have summarized everything about everyday maritime work and your career opportunities at the shipyard on our careers page!