Senior Buyer

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving three primary markets – passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Senior Buyer to join our purchasing team, located in Bruges, Belgium. You will be responsible to lead sourcing activities for key components to support production operations in our Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems business unit. In this role you will oversee a portfolio of commodities and suppliers, teaming up with other buyers and commodity managers within our purchasing organization in Europe. Together you will leverage and secure cost, quality, supply and continuous improvement objectives.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing
• Identify, evaluate and select suppliers based on cost, quality and reliability
• Issue RFQ's, negotiate pricing, terms and set-up long-term supply agreements with strategic suppliers in coordination with commodity managers
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (engineering, material planning & logistics, supplier quality, manufacturing, ...) to understand technical requirements and operational specifications
• Monitor supplier performance to identify and address potential cost, quality and supply issues, mitigate risks and avoid escalations
• Support cost reduction initiatives and benchmarks (engineering changes, resourcing, renegotiation)
• Utilize procurement tools and systems to track and report purchasing activities, manage suppliers relationships, monitor inventory levels and execute periodical price updates
• Analyze market trends, industry developments and regulatory requirements

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or related field

• At least 5 years of experience in strategic procurement/purchasing roles, preferably in a technical, automotive & international environment

• Business fluency in English, Dutch, other languages (German, French, Italian, ...) considered a plus

• General technical understanding and interest, experience with metal components is an advantage

• Creative, strategic thinker

• Born negotiator

• Excellent communication, networking & presentation skills

• Good understanding of procurement best practices

• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision

• Analytical skills , data-driven with methodical approach

• Eager to learn and drive change

• Strong teamplayer in a cross-functional setting

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment

• Hands-on, positive can-do attitude

• Willingness to occasional travel

• An exciting job at one of the market leaders in the development and manufacturing of drive systems.
• Contract for an indefinite period.
• An attractive remuneration, supplemented with fringe benefits (eco vouchers, group insurance, hospitalisation insurance).
• A good work-life balance coupled with an interesting vacation arrangement.
• Training and career opportunities.