Interim Plant Buyer

Keywords: procurement operations, stakeholder collaboration, cost optimisation, contract negotiation, category management, process improvement, supplier relationships, SAP expertise, indirect spend management, CAPEX projects An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Interim Plant Buyer to join a leading organisation in Amsterdam, where your expertise will be pivotal in managing procurement operations within a dynamic plant environment. This role offers you the chance to take ownership of all procurement activities, focusing on indirect spend, CAPEX projects, and some direct spend, while acting as the main point of contact for stakeholders across the Amsterdam site. You will work closely with regional procurement teams, industrial and corporate colleagues, and shared service centres to ensure policies are followed and value is generated for the business. The position promises a collaborative atmosphere, exposure to international best practices, and the ability to make a tangible impact through cost-saving initiatives and process improvements. Flexible working opportunities and a supportive team culture await those who are ready to bring their analytical mindset and interpersonal skills to this rewarding interim assignment.

• Take charge of all procurement operations at the Amsterdam plant, ensuring compliance with established policies while driving value creation and cost reduction initiatives across multiple categories.
• Collaborate extensively with internal stakeholders—including plant managers, finance teams, project departments—and external suppliers to optimise indirect spend, manage contracts, and support key CAPEX projects.
• Benefit from flexible working opportunities within a knowledgeable and dependable team that values training opportunities, professional growth, and inclusive collaboration.

What you'll do:

As an Interim Plant Buyer based in Amsterdam, you will play a central role in shaping procurement strategy and execution at a busy manufacturing site. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you collaborating with cross-functional teams—ranging from plant managers to finance professionals—to ensure seamless procurement operations that align with both local needs and regional objectives. You will be entrusted with optimising indirect spend through effective tendering processes and contract negotiations while also supporting CAPEX projects that drive long-term value. By leveraging your expertise in SAP and SRM systems, you will champion process improvements that enhance transactional efficiency. Your ability to build strong supplier relationships will be crucial in achieving cost savings and maintaining high standards of service delivery. Success in this role hinges on your capacity to balance operational detail with strategic oversight while fostering positive connections across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Lead the implementation of procurement best practices and processes in line with company policies to ensure operational excellence within the Amsterdam plant.
• Drive local procurement projects and category management initiatives by creating actionable plans that deliver measurable benefits for stakeholders.
• Optimise indirect spend across industrial services such as mechanical maintenance, cleaning, equipment supply, and spare parts by conducting tenders and negotiating medium-value CAPEX contracts.
• Manage supplier relationships at the local level by negotiating contracts, initiating cost-saving actions, running tenders, and overseeing negotiations to secure favourable terms.
• Implement regional frame agreements within the Amsterdam plant while actively participating in broader European category projects as required by the business.
• Support transactional improvements and standardisation projects by serving as a key user for procurement systems including SRM and SAP.
• Act as the primary procurement point of contact for all Amsterdam stakeholders and shared service teams, ensuring timely coverage of plant requirements and urgent needs.
• Oversee purchase order creation and resolve invoice discrepancies in close cooperation with accounts payable departments, shared service centres, and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor key performance indicators such as cost savings achieved, customer satisfaction levels among internal clients, successful implementation of frame agreements, automation rates for purchase orders, compliance metrics for POs, and reduction of overdue invoices.

What you bring:

To excel as an Interim Plant Buyer in this Amsterdam-based role, you will bring a wealth of proven experience from previous positions involving complex procurement operations—ideally within an international context. Your fluency in Dutch and English enables you to communicate seamlessly across multicultural teams while your technical proficiency with Excel pivot tables empowers you to analyse cost data efficiently. Familiarity with SAP or SRM systems is vital for driving process improvements that benefit both local users and regional partners. Your keen attention to detail ensures compliance with legal requirements during contract negotiations while your organisational skills help you manage multiple priorities simultaneously. A collaborative spirit paired with excellent interpersonal abilities allows you to nurture productive relationships throughout the business. Above all else, your commitment to delivering outstanding customer service ensures that every stakeholder feels supported throughout each stage of the procurement process.

• Advanced proficiency in both Dutch and English is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and international colleagues alike.
• Demonstrated experience managing procurement operations within an international group or complex organisational structure is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to master pivot tables in Excel alongside advanced MS Office skills for data analysis and reporting purposes.
• Strong expertise in SAP and SRM systems is highly valued for supporting transactional improvements and system standardisation efforts.
• Solid understanding of basic legal principles related to contractor management ensures compliance during contract negotiations.
• Exceptional planning, organisation, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities enable you to deliver results under tight deadlines.
• A proactive approach combined with the capability to work autonomously allows you to identify opportunities for improvement without constant supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills foster effective collaboration with internal customers as well as external suppliers.
• Customer-oriented mindset ensures that stakeholder requirements are met promptly while maintaining high satisfaction levels.
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel within Europe demonstrates flexibility when supporting regional projects or meetings.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a global leader renowned for its commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development. With a strong presence across Western Europe—and particularly within Amsterdam—the company fosters an inclusive environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities designed to promote work-life balance alongside access to ongoing training programmes that support professional growth. The leadership team is dedicated to nurturing talent through supportive guidance rather than rigid hierarchies; this approach creates space for individuals like yourself to contribute meaningfully while developing new skills. The company’s focus on responsible sourcing practices further underscores its reputation as an ethical employer committed not only to business success but also social responsibility. Joining this team means becoming part of a network where dependability is valued just as much as innovation—ensuring your contributions are recognised within a truly collaborative setting.

What's next:

If you are ready to make a significant impact on procurement operations while enjoying flexible working opportunities within a supportive team environment, this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—take the next step towards advancing your career as an Interim Plant Buyer in Amsterdam.

This role is managed by Walters People B.V., trading under the name Robert Walters.