Procurement Category Manager (Raw materials)

Our client is a global leader in high-quality industrial and flooring solutions, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and circular production. The company employs over 5,000 people across more than 30 countries and operates 20+ production and distribution facilities worldwide. Its European headquarters are located in the Netherlands. The Global Procurement organization is undergoing a major transformation, implementing a fully digital, AI-enabled Source-to-Pay (S2P) platform to enhance operational efficiency and unlock new levels of value creation. As Procurement Category Manager for Oil Derivatives & Other Raw Materials, you will define and execute the global category strategy for critical raw materials—mainly PVC, plasticizers, and yarn fibers—across worldwide operations. You will act as a strategic business partner to internal stakeholders and a trusted negotiator with the supplier base, ensuring sustainable supply, cost competitiveness, innovation, and risk management.

Reports to: Head of Global Procurement
Spend Responsibility: €110M annual spend from more than 200 vendors
Scope: 12 production sites worldwide

Category Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a multi-year global category strategy to identify and realize value creation opportunities.
• Identify cost optimization, supplier innovation, and risk mitigation levers.
• Evaluate and establish a new hedging policy for key materials.
• Align sourcing strategies with sustainability objectives, including circular economy and carbon footprint reduction.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Manage relationships and performance with 200+ global suppliers, including strategic partnerships exceeding €500k in spend.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, and terms to deliver sustainable long-term value.
• Drive supplier innovation to enhance product performance and sustainability outcomes.

Global Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Product Line Management, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams across 12 global sites (NL, UK, FR, CH).
• Serve as the primary contact for all raw material sourcing matters.
• Ensure production continuity through proactive risk and supply management.

Digital Procurement Transformation (2026)

• Contribute to the roll-out and adoption of the new AI-enabled S2P platform.
• Use advanced analytics and AI tools for market intelligence, supplier performance tracking, and predictive sourcing.
• Champion data-driven decision-making and automation across procurement processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or Chemical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of strategic procurement experience, ideally within chemicals, plastics commodities, or industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record managing large global spends (€100M+).
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier development capabilities.
• Solid understanding of raw materials markets—especially oil derivatives, PVC, plasticizers, and yarn fibers.
• Highly analytical and results-driven, with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work independently and in cross-functional, multicultural teams.
• Strong affinity for digital procurement tools and AI-driven analytics.
• Fluent in English (Dutch preferred); additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel globally (~20%).

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a high-impact global category in a dynamic, international environment.
• Active involvement in a digital procurement transformation using AI and advanced analytics.
• A collaborative, sustainability-focused company culture emphasizing innovation and growth.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package based in Zaandam.

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