Strategic Freight Buyer

Unilin; Wielsbeke; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible work schedule with home or on

Lunch vouchers

Bike leasing

Training at The Dive centre

Career development opportunities

Sustainability focused employer

Job summary

Unilin is seeking a Strategic Freight Buyer to join the Group Procurement team in Wielsbeke, with options to base in nearby regions. You will develop and manage a network of transport partners, leading sourcing, negotiations and contract management to balance cost, capacity, service, and sustainability.

The role requires 5+ years in transport procurement, a strong commercial mindset, and fluency in French and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in transport procurement and a track record in negotiating transport agreements.
• Experience with specialized trucking, bulk logistics or related industries is a strong asset.
• Strong commercial mindset with excellent negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
• Analytical mindset considering total cost, service levels, risks and sustainability.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on approach and ability to work independently.
• Fluent French and English; Dutch is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly within Belgium and France, with some international travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for transport services.
• Identify, onboard and monitor transport partners and market trends.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage transport contracts and tenders.
• Develop business cases and initiatives to optimize total cost and sustainability.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain and other business units to align transport sourcing with needs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Analytical thinking

Travel

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Economics or Engineering

Job description

Your future jobIn this role, you will be part of our

Your future jobIn this role, you will be part of our Group Procurement team, working closely with our Panels division. You will be based in Wielsbeke, or in Vielsalm or Bazeilles, depending on where you live, but you are committed to be present in Wielsbeke on a frequent basis. As a Strategic Freight Buyer, you will be responsible for developing and managing a strong and reliable network of transport partners. Combining procurement expertise with logistics know-how, you help ensure competitive, sustainable and future-proof transport solutions.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for transport services. Identify, assess and onboard new transport partners, build a strong supplier network and closely monitor the transport market to anticipate capacity needs, pricing trends and new sourcing opportunities.
• Commercial Negotiation & Contract Management: Lead commercial negotiations and manage transport contracts and tenders, ensuring the right balance between competitive cost, capacity, flexibility, service quality and sustainability. Build long-term partnerships that support both current operations and future growth.
• Transport Optimization & Innovation: Continuously challenge existing transport solutions and explore alternative routes, transport modes and new ways of working. Develop business cases and initiatives that optimize total cost, improve efficiency, reduce operational risks and support more sustainable transport solutions.
• Supplier Performance & Relationship Management: Manage and develop strategic relationships with transport partners. Monitor supplier performance across cost, service, reliability, safety and sustainability, conduct regular performance reviews and drive continuous improvement together with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Procurement, Supply Chain and business stakeholders to ensure transport sourcing strategies are aligned with operational needs and broader sourcing priorities.

WHO ARE YOU?

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering or a related field, or have equivalent experience.
• You have at least 5 years of relevant experience in transport procurement and a solid track record in negotiating transport agreements.
• Experience with specialized trucking, bulk logistics or related industries is a strong asset.
• You combine a strong commercial mindset with excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• You are analytical and able to look beyond transport rates, taking into account total cost, service levels, risks and sustainability.
• You have an entrepreneurial, hands‑on approach and are comfortable taking ownership and working independently.
• You communicate fluently in French and English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
• You are willing to travel regularly to suppliers and operational sites, mainly within Belgium and France, with occasional international travel.

What can you expect?

• A competitive remuneration package.
• An extensive leave system and a flexible work schedule with the option of home working.
• Luncheon vouchers, hospitalisation and group insurance.
• Possibility of bike leasing.
• We invest in your development and we believe in lifelong learning. In our state‑of‑the‑art training centre The Dive you are bound to find training courses that will help you grow.
• Countless possibilities to build your career.
• An employer with a transparent sustainability strategy (for our planet, customers and employees).
• Our unique Unilin DNA.
• In different locations we have a company restaurant with a varied menu.
• Benefit from attractive discounts on our products.
• Child care is an option during a number of school holidays.
• Make the most of discounts at a number of partners through our Benefits at Work platform.
• You will often find us at sporting events. You and your family can participate for free.
• In short, you’ll be working for a Top Employer!

Who are we?

Unilin is a global reference in interior design and construction with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Our floors, panels, insulation materials, and technologies can be found in the homes and workplaces of millions of people and public spaces around the world. Our brands Quick-Step, Pergo, and Moduleo probably ring a bell. Worldwide, around 7,900 employees work every day to push boundaries and innovate. Want to know more about our story? Be sure to check out our website.