Freelance Category Buyer - Industry

Michael Page (Belgium); Seraing; On-site; EUR 74,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page (Belgium) is looking for a Freelance Category Buyer to lead strategic sourcing initiatives in the Liège area. You will develop sourcing strategies, lead supplier selections, and drive negotiations to secure competitive terms and supplier performance.

You will collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and Projects to support operational and strategic goals, delivering cost reductions and value creation in an industrial environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management in industrial/engineering environments.
• Proven success in negotiations, supplier development and cost optimization.
• Analytical mindset with ability to conduct TCO analyses and manage procurement risks.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to secure reliable and competitive suppliers.
• Oversee supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Drive supplier performance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement programs.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and deliver value creation initiatives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Project teams to support objectives.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Autonomous / proactive

Job description

About Our Client

The organisation operates in the industrial sector in Liège, Wallonia.

Job Description

As a Freelance Category Buyer your responsibilities are:

• Make a visible business impact by leading strategic sourcing initiatives
• Work at the heart of the business in a highly cross-functional role

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to secure reliable and competitive suppliers.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Drive supplier performance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement programs.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and deliver value creation initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders to support operational and strategic business objectives.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management :

• Identify, qualify, and develop suppliers aligned with quality, cost, delivery, sustainability, and HSE requirements.
• Lead supplier selection processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and support audits and qualification activities.
• Develop sourcing strategies and alternative supply solutions to mitigate risks.

Contract Negotiation & Commercial Management :

• Lead commercial negotiations and establish supplier agreements.
• Secure competitive pricing, service levels, delivery terms, and contractual protections.
• Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including renewals and compliance.

Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement :

• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and regular business reviews.
• Drive corrective actions, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster innovation and long‑term supplier partnerships.

Cost Optimization & Business Support :

• Deliver cost reduction and value creation initiatives through TCO analysis and strategic sourcing.
• Support profitability, budget objectives, and working capital optimization.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Project teams to support strategic initiatives and business growth.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Freelance Category Buyer should have:

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management within an industrial, engineering, manufacturing, energy, or technical environment.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with proven success in contract negotiations, supplier development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Analytical and results‑driven mindset, able to conduct TCO analyses, identify savings opportunities, and manage procurement‑related risks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing cross‑functional teams and building strong supplier relationships.
• Proactive, autonomous, and solution‑oriented professional, comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

What's on Offer

• Temporary freelance assignment.
• Daily rate of EUR 400 to 500 EUR