Vacature Category Lead Buyer

OUR COMPANY

PRÆSIDIAD is the home to global brands (Betafence and Hesco), which specialize in the security, defence and protection of people and assets around the world. Each day, millions of people are at work in the trust that PRÆSIDIAD products are protecting their lives and livelihoods from domestic and global threats and natural disasters. Our goal is to deliver innovative products that inspire confidence, so that people are able to live and work each day in confidence.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Lead Buyer to manage the procurement of metallic manufactured parts (machined, stamped, assemblies), chemicals, coatings, parts essential for our fencing and perimeter security solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess sharp analytical skills, a proven track of results captured through deep understanding of the market trends, negotiation and supply chain dynamics within those commodity groups under responsibility. You will play a critical role in ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality while maintaining cost efficiency.

This position requires a proactive individual who can anticipate industry trends, manage risks, and ensure a continuous supply of materials to meet production needs.

Categories: (DIRECT MATERIALS) for metal parts and assemblies, aluminium and plastic assemblies, chemicals, coatings, and components.

The role is located in Zwevegem

The role reports to Head of Procurement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (JOB PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES)

Supplier Management and Sourcing:
- Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on criteria such as price, quality, service, and capability.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers in the metal fabrication and components industry.
- Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and assess their capabilities in delivering high-quality products as well monitor current supplier pool to identify sourcing opportunities and potential risks.
- Setup suppliers’ partnerships via mutual Service level agreements and manages these through regular constructive reviews.
- Setup a comprehensive plan and record execution with the impact in a results report that must show monthly, quarterly and yearly periods.
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including order placement, supplier performance monitoring, and invoice processing.
- Build a category collaborative strategy and focus on delivering it
Negotiation and Contract Management:
- Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers to ensure the best terms and conditions for the company.
- Negotiate fair agreements with suppliers, considering legal aspects, lead times, and risk mitigation.
- Negotiate contract and spot purchase orders that will give Praesidiad a favorable price advantage and track this via comparative pricing and indices.
- Manage and review contracts to ensure compliance and to address any performance issues.
- Ensure compliance and address any performance issues.
Cost Reduction and Value Analysis:
- Implement cost-reduction strategies through negotiation, value analysis, and process improvements.
- Control and maintain master data in those categories under your responsibility.
- Analyze total cost of ownership and work with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Analyse market trends and pricing data to make informed purchasing decisions that optimize costs.
Quality and Performance Monitoring:
- Collaborate with the Quality team to ensure that materials meet required specifications and quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Develop an innovation mindset and drive innovation opportunities with partnership suppliers.
- Move supplier from Quality Control behaviors to Quality assurance behaviors.
Inventory and Demand Planning:
- Work closely with the production planning team to forecast demand and ensure optimal inventory levels.
- Monitor supplier performance and maintain strong relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Develop strategies to mitigate risks of supply disruptions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, and finance teams to align procurement strategies with business goals.
- Participate in cross-functional teams to support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Prepare reports on procurement activities and present findings to senior management.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Education, experience and general skills

Industry Acumen: Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, specifically in the metal fabrication industry. Understands the specific technical requirements of the goods and services being procured, including an in-depth knowledge of materials, components, and technical specifications.
Experience in the fencing or perimeter security sector is highly desirable.
Proven experience as a Category Buyer or similar role within the manufacturing or security industry.
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of successful supplier management.
Familiarity with sustainability practices in procurement processes
Technical Knowledge: Understands the specific types of metals and their properties, including strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, as well as the various fabrication processes such as cutting, welding, and bending.
Product Insight: Has a strong grasp of the products and services within their sector, allowing for informed discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Contract Acumen: Understands legal and contractual terms, enabling them to negotiate contracts that protect the interests of their organization. Proven negotiation skills and experience in contract management.
Language Skills: Very good knowledge of English, other language is advantageous (e.g. French, Dutch)
Problem Solving:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. In addition, CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) certification or equivalent is preferred.
IT Systems: Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Personal traits - role specific competences

Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and market trends effectively.
Excellent communicator, multicultural, influencer – the proficiency to work and communicate at an operational level, with an awareness, instinct and ability to press for detail, understand issues at an appropriate level of depth, and identify root causes. Strong communication skills with confidence to make objective decisions and competence to influence outcomes; International mindset with experience in multi-lingual, multicultural teams is a must;
Problem solving skills – Skilled in identifying and resolving issues related to supply chain disruptions, material quality, and supplier performance.
Adaptive to Change: Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Previous experience in an international company is a must.
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work methodically and with focus;
Team player - the ability and willingness to develop skills and provide support to the wider finance team. Work effectively with the team members and the business to build partnerships;
A self- starter - passionate about collaborating with others to drive continuous improvement and willing to engage with colleagues to develop practical solutions, taking into account cultural and geographical differences;
Innovative - the ability to suggest new processes and procedures and work with end users to improve adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls;
Organised and diligent - the ability to prioritize tasks, stay on top of things and work under time pressure in a resource lean environment.

WHY TO JOIN OUR TEAM