Operational Buyer

This is how you make impact As an Operational Buyer at Neways, you ensure that our organization can operate efficiently every day. You are responsible for the timely and accurate procurement of both production-related and non-production-related goods and services, including facility supplies, packaging materials, business assets, and other indirect spend categories. In this dynamic role, you work closely with internal stakeholders, including Facilities, Finance, Operations, Engineering, and other support departments. You maintain relationships with suppliers, monitor delivery schedules, process and coordinate purchase requisitions, resolve supply-related issues, and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our procurement processes. With your proactive mindset, attention to detail, and customer-oriented approach, you ensure that internal customers receive the goods and services they need on time. In doing so, you make a direct contribution to business continuity, cost control, and operational efficiency. You will be part of the Procurement team and report directly to the Procurement Manager. This is what we offer A warm working environment where personal contact is highly valued. We believe in continuous development and offer you room for personal growth and freedom to take initiative. In addition, we offer you: · A good salary based on your knowledge and experience; · 27 vacation days, plus 13 additional (ADV) days; · Flexible start and end times, with the option to work from home one day a week · Pension scheme; · Travel allowance and holiday pay. This is what you bring to the team You are accurate, structured, and proactive. You enjoy working with suppliers and internal stakeholders and are energized by keeping operations running seamlessly. You stay calm under pressure and take initiative when disruptions arise. We also ask for: · MBO+/HBO level of working and thinking, preferably in logistics, procurement, or business administration. · At least 2 years of experience in procurement or supply chain. · Knowledge of procurement and inventory processes and ERP systems. · Strong communication skills in Dutch and English; German is a plus. · Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). · Preferably: NEVI 1 (NL), Bürokaufmann/-frau (DE), or CIPS certification. · Analytical and problem‑solving skills · Strong communication and negotiation abilities · High accuracy and attention to detail · Result‑driven mindset · Proactive and stress‑resistant · Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Your daily responsibilities include Purchase preparations · Assess suggestions for orders/order forms which are generated. · Assess rescheduling messages and cancellations. Purchasing order management · Process purchase order suggestions for orders/order forms and approved requisitions into purchase orders in the ERP system, taking account of price, delivery lead time and packaging unit, based on existing contracts with preferred suppliers. · Ensure accurate and timely order placement to meet operational needs. · Monitor and track order statuses, ensuring on-time deliveries. · Handle order modifications, cancellations or escalations when needed. · Check and process order comfirmations from suppliers. · Come up with alternative products and/or suppliers in consultation with Senior Buyer in case of shortages. · Put rescheduling messages and cancellations into effect. If necessary, adjust priorities in consultation with Planning. · Deal with invoice discrepancies within competence/authority. · Arrange logistic handling of problems (including quality problems). Supplier Coordination & Relationship Management · Forecast & PO acceptance based on material availability check. · Communicate with suppliers to confirm order details, pricing, and delivery schedules. · Maintain positive relationships with existing suppliers to ensure smooth transactions. · Resolve supply issues, including delays, shortages, and discrepancies. · Support supplier performance evaluations and propose improvements when necessary. · Follow up on administrative/logistic communication with suppliers · Send vendor rating to relevant suppliers Inventory & Stock Management · Work closely with inventory teams to ensure optimal stock levels. · Monitor demand and consumption patterns to prevent stockouts or excess inventory. · Assist in implementing just-in-time (JIT) purchasing strategies where applicable. Cost & Budget Compliance • Ensure purchases align with budgetary constraints and cost-saving initiatives. • Identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality or service. • Support procurement teams in price negotiations and contract management. Procurement Compliance & Reporting • Maintain accurate procurement records, including POs, invoices, and supplier agreements. • Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and industry regulations. • Generate reports on procurement activities, cost savings, and supplier performance. · Archive purchase orders and related information · Complete, make use of and interpret the list of missing items. · Provide up-to-date information on availability of equipment and materials. · Communicate with relevant people in the event of calamities/discrepancies. Escalate in time to the Senior Buyer if required. Continuous improvement · Participate in improvement projects · Initiate improvements related to performance reliability of the supply chain · Initiate improvements related to parameter settings in the ERP system. · Initiate improvements related to the RFQ process.