Strategic Category Buyer, Breda, Noord-Brabant

Company
Our client is an international organization with a strong focus on procurement excellence, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement across its operations. The business works in a dynamic environment where cost efficiency, supply continuity, and cross-functional teamwork are key to success. They are looking for a procurement professional who can help strengthen category performance and build strong supplier partnerships.

Job Description
Our client is looking for a Strategic Category Buyer to take ownership of a purchasing category and support broader sourcing and procurement goals. This role is focused on developing category plans, managing supplier relationships, driving cost improvements, and ensuring long-term supply continuity. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers while contributing to category strategy across different regions.

Responsibilities
- Develop and implement annual category plans based on category analysis and business needs
- Manage the category end to end to support purchasing objectives
- Select, evaluate, and develop suppliers at both national and international level
- Build strong supplier relationships and represent purchasing in negotiations
- Negotiate pricing, service levels, and contract terms with suppliers
- Identify new sourcing opportunities, alternative suppliers, and alternative materials
- Work with internal teams to improve cost efficiency and overall category performance
- Collaborate with R&D on product development, materials, and market developments
- Monitor supplier and category performance using relevant KPIs, including cost, risk, sustainability, and supplier base
- Support alignment of category strategies across regions and help leverage global synergies
- Assess and manage risks related to supply, logistics, regulation, and market conditions

Requirements
- At least years of experience in a similar procurement, sourcing, or category management role
- Higher education, preferably at university level
- Fluent Dutch and strong English communication skills
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working with procurement systems, ERP tools, and data-driven reporting
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to perform well in a fast-paced environment
- Experience in the food industry is an advantage
- Spanish language skills are a plus

Other Information
This is a great opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys combining supplier management, negotiation, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in a hands-on role. The position is based in Breda, the Netherlands.
If you are interested and want to apply, please submit your application via the apply button below and contact me.

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