The Category Associate reports to the Category Manager. The responsibilities include developing subcategory(ies) strategies, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers, coordinating with internal teams regarding their supply needs, and executing on strategic sourcing tenders.

a.      Proactively develop and envision a subcategory strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and action plan for the relevant subcategory (in collaboration with cross-functional teams) to create breakthroughs, foster innovation, and evaluate potential risks.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify trends and opportunities.

b.     Define the market strategy and develop the supplier panel

• Conduct deep market analysis, supplier analysis and benchmarks to improve market understanding.

c.      Conduct Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and foster relationships with key suppliers to ensure clear communication, create an environment of partnership, and agreed-to contractually committed levels of service, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Manage SRM action plan to include vendor visits, vendor performance reports, review meetings, auditing and adherence to internal processes.

d.     Conduct Risk Management

• Assess and manage risks associated with the subcategory in scope, such as supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and regulatory compliance. Develop risk mitigation strategies, establish contingency plans, and monitor market conditions to proactively address potential risks and ensure continuity of supply.

e.      Enforce cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement (and ensure internal customer centricity)

• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders, such as BU Leads, Finance, Operations, and Legal teams, to ensure alignment with organisational goals and objectives.

f.       Act as a buyer on relevant purchases and suppliers including:

• Execute effective sourcing process to ensure that the proper sources of supply are evaluated and selected to support the business need.
• Negotiate framework agreements, confidentiality, service standards, and other supplier agreements to ensure high quality, provide clarity, obtain competitive costs, document timelines, and mitigate risk.

• You hold a Master’s degree in Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in purchasing and sourcing.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
• Strong expertise in the following areas:
• Supplier market expertise in the category
• Cost analysis and cost‑optimization strategies
• Strategic sourcing and procurement methodologies
• Supplier relationship management
• Ethical sourcing and social responsibility practices
• End‑to‑end purchasing process knowledge
• Contract management
• Highly developed analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Proven ability to lead and execute projects within Procurement, as well as large-scale transversal initiatives impacting multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and modern procurement platforms

Like a long-awaited parcel, we want to make you feel welcome and valued. Our offer includes a competitive monthly salary, that goes without saying. On top of that, you can count on:

• Meal vouchers of €8 per working day 
• Hospitalization-, group- and disability insurances 
• A phone subscription, including 25GB data 
• A flexible renumeration plan, which allows you to customize your own benefits. A company car, bike leasing, public transportation, extra days off,... the choice is yours 
• Possibility to enter the Federal Mobility plan 
• Work/life balance, thanks to flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home  
• 20 days of statutory leave and 7 additional extralegal days off  
• An end-of-year and performance-based bonus and double holiday pay  
• Many benefits from more than 100 bpost-partners