Category Buyer | Operational Procurement & Supply Chain

Category Buyer | Operational Procurement & Supply Chain

Location: Amersfoort or Eindhoven, Netherlands

Full-time Role

WestPoint Search is supporting an international organisation as it appoints a Category Buyer to take ownership of an established operational procurement category during a period of wider business transformation.

Procurement plays an important role in supporting the organisation's complex, multi-site operations. From sourcing essential operational equipment and services to managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements, the business is continuing to strengthen its procurement capabilities and deliver long-term value.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional to take ownership of a category with an established foundation, working closely with operational stakeholders and senior procurement leadership across the business.

You will not simply manage purchase orders or maintain existing supplier contracts. You will lead sourcing projects, manage commercial negotiations, develop supplier relationships and identify opportunities to improve category performance.

You will inherit a category where several significant sourcing projects and long-term agreements are already in place. The focus will be on building upon this progress, developing remaining areas of the category and establishing more structured contract management processes.

Working closely with an experienced Category Manager, you will have the autonomy to manage your own projects while contributing to wider procurement and supply chain initiatives.

What you will do:

• Take ownership of an established operational procurement category, managing sourcing activities, supplier relationships and ongoing category development
• Lead end-to-end sourcing projects, from market analysis and tendering through to supplier selection, negotiation and contract implementation
• Develop and improve commercial agreements, ensuring suppliers deliver against operational and business requirements
• Work closely with stakeholders across operations, procurement and other business functions to understand requirements and develop effective sourcing solutions
• Establish structured contract management processes to improve supplier performance and maximise value from existing agreements
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, improved commercial terms and more effective procurement processes
• Manage supplier relationships, monitor performance and address commercial or operational challenges
• Support category strategy development, balancing cost, quality, service and long-term operational requirements
• Contribute to wider procurement projects across logistics, supply chain and other operational categories
• Help further professionalise procurement practices within a complex international organisation

What we are looking for:

• Approximately five to seven years' experience in procurement, ideally within a Buyer, Category Buyer or Procurement Specialist position
• A clear track record of independently managing end-to-end sourcing projects, including tendering, supplier selection and commercial negotiations
• Experience working within a large, complex or multi-site organisation, with an understanding of operational procurement requirements
• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to identify opportunities for cost improvements and supplier value
• The confidence and communication style to build credibility with operational stakeholders and colleagues across different business functions
• An understanding of CAPEX and OPEX procurement and the different commercial approaches required
• Someone who takes ownership of their work, thinks commercially and can manage projects independently without extensive supervision
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a structured approach to procurement and contract management
• Fluent Dutch communication skills and a good command of English
• Experience within logistics, supply chain or operational procurement would be advantageous, but is not essential

The role will suit an experienced Buyer or Procurement Specialist ready to take greater category ownership, or an established Category Buyer looking for more autonomy, exposure to complex procurement projects and opportunities for further development.

You will join an international procurement function with an experienced and supportive manager, an established category portfolio and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on supplier performance and commercial outcomes.

The role offers opportunities for career progression, exposure to wider procurement initiatives and a hybrid working arrangement, with approximately three days per week in either the Amersfoort or Eindhoven office.

If you are a procurement professional looking to take ownership of meaningful sourcing activity, develop your category management experience and contribute to a complex international business, please get in touch directly or apply via LinkedIn.