Purchase Associate

At APM Terminals Panama, we don’t just operate a port, we power the heartbeat of global commerce. Positioned at one of the world’s most strategic maritime gateways, our terminal is a critical link connecting continents, industries, and millions of people every day. Every container we move carries more than cargo, it carries opportunity, growth, and progress.

At APMT Panama, you’re not just joining a job. You’re becoming part of a high-performing, supportive, and people-first environment where collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement drive everything we do.

Why you’ll love it here

• Every move we make connects businesses, communities, and countries.

• From quay cranes to control towers, no two days are the same.

• We continuously improve how we operate, embracing digitalization, safety, and smarter ways of working.

• Continuous improvement mindset – where curiosity is encouraged, root-cause problem solving is valued, and making things better every day is part of how we win.

At APM Terminals, a global leader in port and terminal operations, we enable global trade and drive sustainable growth. As part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, we connect economies and communities worldwide. Our success is driven by a strong commitment to LEAN methodologies, embedding continuous improvement into every aspect of our operations. Join us and be part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Join us as we continue to shape the future of global trade and make a meaningful impact on communities worldwide. Discover your potential with APM Terminals and become part of a team that's redefining industry standards.

We Can Offer

At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to develop skills and advance their career.

As part of our team, you can expect:

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Exposure to a global organization and international best practices.

• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.

• Opportunities to contribute to process improvement initiatives.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• A culture that values innovation, teamwork, and personal growth.

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Purchase Associate to support purchasing activities and ensure the timely acquisition of materials, equipment, and services that enable smooth business operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supplier management, procurement planning, cost optimization, and inventory support. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, commercial awareness, and the ability to build productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and purchase quality products, materials, and services.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and delivery schedules.
• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders efficiently.
• Monitor order progress and provide status updates to stakeholders.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics activities to ensure on-time delivery.
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to support purchasing decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and help maintain appropriate stock availability.
• Collaborate with operations, inventory, finance, and other internal teams.
• Review delivered materials and address quality or quantity discrepancies with suppliers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in procurement, sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain activities.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong customer service orientation.
• Lean-minded: we are looking for someone who brings a strong mindset of continuous improvement, someone who is naturally curious, committed to solving problems at the root, and driven to make things better every day.

If you're excited about contributing to a world-class operation that helps keep global trade moving, we'd love to hear from you.

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