Category Manager / Technical Buyer (Metal Fabrication Industry)

Contenuto del lavoro

Category Manager / Technical Buyer (Metal Fabrication Industry)

English speaker

Permanent contract - Zwevegem, Belgium

Our client is the world leader in perimeter protection solutions.

They manufacture quality fencing systems to secure people, property and businesses around the world.

We are seeking an experiencedStrategic / Technical Buyer with a specialization in the metal fabrication industry to join our Procurement team.

The Strategic Buyer will play a crucial role in sourcing metal materials and components, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to support our manufacturing processes and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the metal fabrication market, cost-reduction strategies, and supply chain management. This position requires a proactive individual who can anticipate industry trends, manage risks, and ensure a continuous supply of materials to meet production needs.

Key Responsibilities :

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 industry.
• Conduct market research to identify sourcing opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage day-to-day purchasing activities, including order placement, supplier performance monitoring, and invoice processing.

Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements with suppliers to ensure the best terms and conditions for the company.
• Manage and review contracts to ensure compliance and to address any performance issues.

Cost Reduction and Value Analysis:

• Implement cost-reduction strategies through negotiation, value analysis, and process improvements.
• Analyze total cost of ownership and work with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities.

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.

Inventory and Demand Planning:

• Work closely with the production planning team to forecast demand and ensure optimal inventory levels.
• Develop strategies to mitigate risks of supply disruptions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and finance teams to align procurement strategies with business goals.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Profile :

· 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. Strong knowledge of metal materials, fabrication processes, and market trends.

· 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.

· 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.

· Communication:Excellent communication abilities to clearly convey requirements to suppliers and collaborate effectively with internal teams across all levels of the organization.

· Language Skills: Very good knowledge of English and other language (e.g. French, Dutch)

· Problem Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Skilled in identifying and resolving issues related to supply chain disruptions,material quality, and supplier performance.

· 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.

· Adaptive to Change: Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Previous experience in an international company is a must.