Procurement Category Manager

bpost strives to create an inclusive environment with challenging projects and inspiring collaborations. With our colleagues at the heart of our organisation, we believe in careers rather than jobs. As part of the international group bnode, bpost has transitioned from the Belgian postal operator to a regional and digital expert in parcel size logistics. With a focus on social and environmental sustainability, our people are the foundation of everything we do. We foster a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and career growth, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

What will you do?

The Category Manager reports to the Global Category Head or BU Head of Procurement and provide guidance and strategic advice to the Procurement team and wider organization for the specific of the category in scope.

Using thorough market knowledge and data analysis to (re)define the category strategy and identify sourcing opportunities, the Category Manager develop and execute the Procurement plan for the allocated category, optimizing external spend, and developing a competitive supply base capable of meeting the current and future needs of the company for assurance of supply, quality, service, innovation, sustainability and cost.

Proactively develop and envision a category strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and action plan for the relevant category or subcategories (in collaboration with cross-functional teams) to create breakthroughs, foster innovation, and evaluate potential risks.
• Identify, forecast, quantify and prioritize sourcing levers relevant to the category (savings through a structured approach and template) - focusing on continuous cost, value, and risk improvement projects, TCO, ROI, and ESG (data analytics).

Define the market strategy and develop the supplier panel

• Conduct deep market analysis, supplier analysis and benchmarks to improve market understanding.
• Define target supplier panel strategy: scout new potential suppliers, evaluate and select suppliers (incl. supplier performance plans when necessary), identify possible partnerships.

Conduct Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers within the category: negotiate favourable contracts and ensure the availability of high-quality goods or services.
• Coordinate interactions with all appropriate levels of bpostgroup, and the supplier entities.
• Manage SRM action plan to include vendor visits, vendor performance reports, review meetings, auditing and adherence to internal processes.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage any issues or disputes that arise: lead reviews with key suppliers to assess performance against strategic objectives and define action plans accordingly.
• Identify opportunities to capture supplier innovation.

Conduct Risk Management

• Assess and manage risks associated with the category, such as supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and regulatory compliance. Develop risk mitigation strategies, establish contingency plans, and monitor market conditions to proactively address potential risks and ensure continuity of supply.

Enforce cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement (and ensure internal customer centricity)

• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders, such as BU Leads, Finance, Operations, and Legal teams, to ensure alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
• Work closely with these teams to understand their requirements, address their concerns, and incorporate their input into category strategies and sourcing decisions.

Act as a buyer on relevant strategic purchases and suppliers depending on value and strategic nature including:

• RFP and negotiation strategy for most critical purchases and projects.
• Help on drafting, negotiating, managing the contract clauses with Buyers for highest stake suppliers.
• Strategic Suppliers performance and risk management.

Actively coach and motivate the direct reports to develop their core skills, aptitudes and to guarantee a well‑functioning team.

• Provide regular feedback and evaluate the performance of the direct reports.
• Manage a team of Category Associates and Buyers that support relevant purchasing activities for the group, compliantly with Procurement policies and processes, including public Procurement where applicable.

Who are you?

• You hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Finance, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field or equivalent in related discipline
• Professional accreditation related to the function is favorable
• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic procurement, category management, supply chain, or a related role in a large co