Category Buyer

Our new colleague will be responsible for developing and executing category purchases and management to ensure the cost-effective, timely and quality-focused procurement of goods and services aligned with the organization’s business needs. Acting as a subject matter expert for a defined category (e.g., lab equipment, raw materials, technical services, etc.), the role involves professional supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with GMP and company policies, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Scientific & Technical Expertise

• Execute category-specific procurement activities, from market analysis to supplier selection and contract negotiation.
• Understand the technical requirements of the category and ensure procurement specifications are accurate and fit-for-purpose.
• Collaborate with internal experts to assess and qualify suppliers, particularly for GMP-relevant categories.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure supplier qualifications and procurement processes comply with GMP/GDP requirements and company SOPs.
• Work closely with QA to support supplier audits, risk assessments, and quality documentation.
• Maintain traceability and documentation required for regulated categories, especially those impacting manufacturing and product quality.

Project Management & Coordination

• Execute procurement strategies developments and implementations for assigned categories to meet project timelines, budget expectations, and operational goals.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to implement cost reduction, supplier consolidation, or lead‑time improvements.
• Monitor procurement planning and execute risk mitigation activities for critical materials or services.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses, spend reviews, and market benchmarking to support category decisions.
• Track and report category KPIs (e.g., cost savings, contract coverage, supplier performance).
• Identify and report on procurement risks, trends, and opportunities.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary contact for internal stakeholders on category‑specific procurement topics.
• Build strong cross‑functional partnerships with teams such as R&D, QA, Production, Finance, and Legal to ensure alignment with organizational needs.
• Ensure supplier relationship management (SRM) efforts, including performance reviews and conflict resolution.

Administrative & Support Functions

• Execute the implementation and ongoing management of supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and SLAs.
• Maintain accurate records in the ERP system and other procurement tools.
• Ensure timely and efficient contract renewal and renegotiation processes.

Commercial Awareness

• Develop deep market knowledge of assigned categories, including pricing dynamics, supplier innovation, and regulatory changes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities for cost optimization, innovation, and improved service levels.
• Support budget planning and forecasting for category‑specific procurement activities.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Business Administration or Life Sciences.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development skills.
• Proven ability to analyze data and drive sourcing decisions.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite is a plus) and digital procurement tools.
• Knowledge or experience in GMP or biotech/pharmaceutical industry standards is a plus.
• Fluent in French & English, Dutch is a plus.

Soft Skills:

• High level of ethical behavior, integrity and professionalism.
• Team‑work oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions (voice over mail‑oriented mindset).
• Strategic and analytical thinking with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Results‑oriented and proactive, with a focus on continuous improvement.