Procurement Manager, Japan (Offshore Wind)

Job summary

This is a role in the Procurement Team supporting bp’s new offshore wind project off the coast in Japan. This project is a Joint Venture between bp and Marubeni, the major Japanese integrated trading and investment conglomerate; it will allow bp to build important new clean energy resources for Japan and Asia, supporting the country in its aim to be carbon neutral by 2050 as well as allowing bp to build on their offshore wind portfolio in an area of exceptional wind resource.

The role is part of the wider Low Carbon Energy Procurement team focused on delivering bp’s ambitions of decarbonizing and diversifying the business. Underpinning this growth is significant investment, and procurement is the forefront of managing this spend with suppliers, building relationships with the market, and delivering competitive outcomes with the business.

The role is based in Tokyo and involves managing early supplier engagement, relations and information flow with Japanese suppliers and relevant stakeholders. The role will identify opportunities for Japanese based suppliers, delivering local content, creative and resourceful contracting and driving skills development, infrastructure development, innovation and green growth. This role reports to the Vice President of the Low Carbon Energy team which sits within the broader Finance-Procurement team. This role will provide the opportunity to directly manage a team as the Low Carbon Energy Procurement team grows to support bp in its ambition to reimagine energy.

The right candidate needs to build strong relationships with the business teams and external partners including our Joint Venture partner Marubeni, as well as other teams within bp and procurement so must be able to speak Japanese fluently. The candidate should have experience in the offshore wind supply chain, project procurement including strategy and procurement and working with clusters, agencies and industry bodies to develop local supply chains. The candidate shall have a good understanding of renewables especially the offshore wind sector, the supply base, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Key Accountabilities :

• Oversee all procurement activity throughout the project lifecycle for the project and agreed governance processes. Responsible for the full contracting life cycle of the Projects, from strategy to project execution, sourcing, contracting, supplier collaboration, and post award contract management
• Manage and lead the procurement team in the JV to support design, development and execution of overall procurement and contracting strategy by the team
• Develop and execute procurement strategy for the project – including sourcing, contracting, supplier collaboration and post award contract management. Identify and build relationships to support local supply chain strategy
• Responsible for the compliant delivery of all Third Party spend across the full projects' life cycle to ensure a successful outcome across cost, schedule, quality, safety and predictability
• Lead senior project level engagement with all relevant procurement and supply chains topics across the JV with all relevant internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and implement necessary compliance, sustainability, digital security and key supplier code of conduct processes and policies for supplier engagement in the JV
• Design and develop appropriate P2P solutions that support end to end procurement activities
• Develop governance for JV activity on contracting including agreed approval processes, governance boards, assurance and compliance practices.
• Manage contracting and delivery of local infrastructure needs including ports & harbours, terminal access, land acquisition, and interconnection (offtake) agreements in partnership with commercial & C&A. Develop materials management and logistics plan
• Develop and execute Project Procurement strategies for hardware and services that create value, optimises delivery and deliver on project objectives, including long lead procurement strategy.

• Experience in supply chain management or project development, preferably for large infrastructure, manufacturing, or energy projects, including renewable energy projects.
• Understanding of the complexities of offshore wind project development, its components, and the associated supply chain;
• Understanding of the international offshore wind market and supply chains;
• Knowledge of supply chain contract management fundamentals, best practices, and industry trends;
• Experience with supplier management and partnership, stakeholder management, tendering, negotiation, etc.;
• Understanding of cost drivers on contracts and ability to demonstrate transparency and overall value;
• Previous experience in procurement and market competitive analysis;
• Fluent communication in Japanese and English;