Procurement Specialist

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST - LEUVEN REGION (BELGIUM) - PERMANENT POSITIONWe're currently recruiting for a Procurement Specialist to support purchasing and supply chain activities within an industrial engineering environment. This role is responsible for ensuring timely availability of materials and components to support R&D, production, and operational requirements, while maintaining optimal inventory levels and strong supplier performance.The Procurement Specialist will manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including placing and tracking purchase orders, following up with suppliers to ensure committed lead times are met, and proactively working to shorten lead times where possible. The role requires close collaboration with suppliers as well as internal stakeholders such as R&D, engineering, production, and planning teams to support both ongoing operations and new product development initiatives.In addition, the position plays a key role in monitoring procurement KPIs, particularly on-time delivery, and maintaining accurate purchasing parameters within the ERP system. The Procurement Specialist will actively participate in S&OP and production planning meetings, contribute to inventory management and demand alignment, and help identify and mitigate supply risks. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing or engineering-driven environment.Key Responsibilities:Place purchase orders with suppliers in line with production plans, forecasts, and engineering requirementsTrack and follow up on open orders to ensure delivery commitments are met; proactively expedite when neededDevelop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support reliable supply, quality, and continuous improvementMonitor and analyze procurement KPIs, with a focus on on-time delivery and supplier performanceReview, maintain, and optimize purchasing parameters in the ERP system (lead times, MOQ, safety stock, etc.)Participate in S&OP, production planning, and cross-functional supply chain meetingsManage inventory levels to balance service levels, cost efficiency, and working capital objectivesCollaborate closely with R&D and engineering teams on new product introductions, design changes, and technical requirementsIdentify supply risks and support mitigation and contingency planning activitiesKey Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field3–7 years of experience in procurement or supply chain roles, preferably in an industrial or engineering-focused environmentExperience working closely with R&D or technical teamsStrong understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and inventory controlHands-on experience with ERP systemsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to track and interpret performance dataExcellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environmentThe Offer:A permanent, full-time employment contractA salary & benefits package commensurate with experiencePlease send over your CV to tom.walker@vividresourcing.com or call me on +32 (0) 3 318 00 74. As always, we are open to recommendations, so please feel free to pass this on to other suitable candidates.