Procurement Category Associate

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?

In line with our #Reshape2029 strategy in evolving into a regional and digital logistics leader specialized in parcel-sized logistics and with the transformation of our global Transport capabilities via the Transport Center of Excellence, the Group Procurement Organization (GPO) is also evolving in order to strategically support our journey and priorities. On this regard, we have created a new Global Category Team for Transport, responsible to support global and regional needs for the category, mostly driven through the Transport COE.

Reporting to the Global Category Head for Transport, GPO is currently recruiting for the role Category Associate Transport Europe.

From leading regional complex tenders, supporting the strategic evolution of our supplier base within transport by establishing group relationships with carriers, up to ensuring compliance to our company standard and policies, including ESG, this role will play a critical role in contributing to our group strategy and transformation.

Proactively develop and envision a subcategory strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and action plan for the relevant subcategory (in collaboration with cross-functional teams) to create breakthroughs, foster innovation, and evaluate potential risks.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify trends and opportunities.

Define the market strategy and develop the supplier panel

• Conduct deep market analysis, supplier analysis and benchmarks to improve market understanding.

Conduct Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and foster relationships with key suppliers to ensure clear communication, create an environment of partnership, and agreed-to contractually committed levels of service, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Manage SRM action plan to include vendor visits, vendor performance reports, review meetings, auditing and adherence to internal processes.

Conduct Risk Management

• Assess and manage risks associated with the subcategory in scope, 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.

Act as a buyer on relevant purchases and suppliers including:

• Execute effective sourcing process to ensure that the proper sources of supply are evaluated and selected to support the business need.
• Negotiate framework agreements, confidentiality, service standards, and other supplier agreements to ensure high quality, provide clarity, obtain competitive costs, document timelines, and mitigate risk.

Who are you?

We do not only deliver letters and parcels, but also opportunities. This job is open to all with diverse backgrounds and talents.

More particularly, the candidate should successfully demonstrate following experience & competences:

• You hold a Master’s degree in Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in purchasing and sourcing.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
• Strong expertise in the following areas:
  • Supplier market expertise in the category
  • Cost analysis and cost‑optimization strategies
  • Strategic sourcing and procurement methodologies
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Ethical sourcing and social responsibility practices
  • End‑to‑end purchasing process knowledge
  • Contract management
• Highly developed analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Proven ability to lead and execute projects within Procurement, as well as large-scale transversal initiatives impacting multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word<