The Senior Buyer reports to the Category Manager or Global Category Head. Under the guidance of the Category Manager or Global Category Head, they are responsible for managing complex procurement activities across multiple purchasing categories or within one specific Category for certain departments and subsidiaries of bpost, in accordance with the applicable legislation for public enterprises (where relevant) and with internal procurement rules and procedures.

a. Independently managing complex procurement files across multiple purchasing categories within one specific Category and efficiently carrying out the following tasks:

• Drafting technical specifications (in collaboration with the Business requester)
• Requesting quotations
• Selecting suppliers (national and international)
• Negotiating purchases and concluding contracts with the aim of guaranteeing the best price/quality ratio for all procurement files.
• Leading the sourcing and tendering process.

b. Preparing and implementing an annual category plan, in consultation with the Category Manager or Global Category Head, for the purchasing categories within one specific Category, based on the principles of Category Management.

c. Providing extensive procurement support to the internal customer and acting as an expert in their purchasing category, including participation in all relevant union committees.
In addition to an advisory role (based on their expertise) towards the internal customer, they must be willing to provide support to the end user for technical and external logistical aspects. This includes drafting technical specifications from the perspective of product quality, external supply chain management, quality control, and order follow-up.

d. Proactively and systematically monitoring and controlling the execution of all procurement contracts within their purchasing categories by suppliers, in order to ensure compliance with contractual terms and/or public procurement regulations.

e. Following up on strategic and tactical suppliers, prospecting the market, and evaluating existing suppliers in order to identify new opportunities for bpost within their procurement domain. Regularly sharing the results of product and market developments with the internal customer to provide expert advice, unless the market research was conducted jointly with the internal customer.

f. In cooperation with the internal customer, being responsible for supporting the definition of new needs and the optimisation of existing needs, assisting in the preparation of the budget, and being responsible for planning procurement projects. Communicating with and proactively contacting the internal customer regarding all information required within this context.

g. Maintaining specialised knowledge within their purchasing categories and closely monitoring market developments.

h. Being responsible for regularly reporting the added value (including monetary value) generated through collaboration with the internal customer.

• You hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Finance, Economics, Supply Chain Management or a related field, or an equivalent degree in a similar discipline.
• You have at least 6 years of experience as a buyer and/or category expert within a large or multinational company.
• You have an excellent command of the second national language and a solid knowledge of English.
• You have thorough knowledge of procurement and negotiation techniques.
• You have in‑depth knowledge of public procurement legislation, or you are willing to learn this quickly if required.
• You have strong expertise regarding the products/services within your own purchasing category.

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