Category Buyer

For one of our clients, a major player in the hydrogen and energy sector, we are looking for a Category Buyer.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and managing a strategic supplier portfolio, leading sourcing initiatives, negotiating commercial agreements, and driving supplier performance. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Project teams, you will contribute to securing a reliable, competitive, and sustainable supply base while supporting key business objectives.

Your mission

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop competitive suppliers aligned with business needs.
• Lead sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes.
• Assess suppliers based on Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD), Sustainability, and HSE criteria.
• Participate in supplier audits, qualification processes, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Prepare and lead commercial negotiations to secure optimal pricing, terms, delivery conditions, and service levels.
• Manage supplier contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance and effective follow-up until closure.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Drive corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and issue resolution with suppliers.
• Identify and implement cost reduction, productivity improvement, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization opportunities.
• Support strategic projects and ensure procurement requirements are integrated into project execution plans.

Your profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in strategic purchasing, category management, or procurement within an industrial environment.
• Strong experience in supplier sourcing, evaluation, and contract negotiation.
• Knowledge of procurement methodologies including RFI, RFQ, RFP, supplier qualification, and contract management.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance through KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in cost analysis and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluations.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with sustainability, HSE, and risk management considerations within procurement is an asset.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French and/or Dutch is a plus.