Your role is to manage operational buying according to forecast or sales demand to ensure service to customers and optimal stock position and availability in accordance with the Inventory Management Department's guidelines and objectives.
Key Accountabilities:
* Collaborate closely with staff across departments to forecast business needs and make purchase decisions based on demand. Communicate proactively with Inside Sales and cooperate closely with internal stakeholders (mainly sourcing, finance, logistics, transport, product management, quality) and external suppliers to maintain strong, long-term relationships.
* Negotiate with and manage preferred suppliers on demand, volume, and delivery time in line with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets. Proactively contact suppliers to resolve issues.
* Create and release purchase orders:
o Place purchase orders in time for articles (meeting customers' demands).
o Check and release purchase orders up to pre-defined limits for local buyers.
* Maintain open purchase order books for own MRP:
o Monitor all open purchase orders.
o Book order confirmations and reminders according to guidelines to ensure products are delivered on time.
o Act on purchase orders in delay by chasing deliveries from suppliers that are overdue or urgent.
o Answer vendor questions and provide additional order documentation as needed.
o Resolve discrepancies.
o Act on purchase orders related to sales orders.
o Check, approve, and send down payment requests.
o Solve quantity differences (internally and externally).
o Handle notifications (QN) in close cooperation with local sourcing.
* Anticipate and react to changes in customer demands:
o Respond effectively to customer requirements.
o Send requirements for local sourcing specialists (source alternatives).
o Act on exception messages Schedule in/out and cancel (stock articles).
* Inform Inside Sales about changes in delivery conditions (spec and cust) so they can ensure an effortless customer experience to counter possible supply problems that may impact business operations.
* Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluation.
* Evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.
* Ensure compliance with procurement processes and guidelines.
Skills, Know-How, and Experience:
* Bachelor's degree.
* Relevant qualification in buying is desirable but not essential.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English. French is a plus.
* Analytical skills.
* Able to work cross-functionally and independently.
* Technical knowledge/affinity with mechanical products.
* Able to execute directives.
* Team-oriented.
* Solid understanding of supply chain logistics.
* Confident negotiator with an eye for detail.
* Strong administrative and organizational skills.
* Problem-solving skills and experience.
* Able to work independently.
* Knowledge of SAP is a plus.
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office.