HR Category Buyer

WestPoint Search; Amersfoort; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

WestPoint Search is seeking an experienced HR Buyer / Category Manager to own the HR procurement category across the business during a procurement transformation. You will work with HR leadership and stakeholders to shape category strategy, lead sourcing initiatives and negotiate commercial agreements.

The role covers temporary labour, recruitment agencies, MSPs and company car procurement, with the opportunity to visit sites in the Netherlands and Belgium as part of regional supplier governance.

Qualifications

• Eight years’ experience in procurement category management.
• Proven track record developing sourcing strategies and leading negotiations.
• Experience across temporary labour, MSPs and HR services.
• Ability to build credibility with HR and business stakeholders.
• Strong commercial judgement delivering value through supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HR procurement category strategies across temporary labour, recruitment agencies, MSPs and HR services.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, supplier selections and commercial negotiations.
• Partner with HR stakeholders to translate workforce needs into sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs balancing cost, service quality and business needs.
• Build and manage supplier relationships across regions and sites.
• Drive cost optimisation and improved procurement processes.
• Monitor supplier performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure staffing agreements meet legal requirements and stay aligned with labour market developments.
• Professionalise procurement function and strengthen stakeholder partnerships.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Vendor negotiations

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Attention to detail

Job description

HR Buyer / Category Manager | HR Procurement

Location: Netherlands or Belgium

Full-time Role

WestPoint Search is supporting an international organisation as it appoints a Lead HR Buyer to take ownership of its HR procurement category across the business during a period of procurement transformation.

Workforce suppliers play an important role in helping the organisation access the people, skills and services it needs. From temporary labour and recruitment agencies to managed service providers and contract workers, the business is strengthening the partnerships that support its workforce needs and deliver long‑term commercial value.

This is an opportunity for an experienced HR procurement professional to become a trusted commercial partner to HR leadership and stakeholders across the business.

You will not simply manage contracts or respond to hiring requirements. You will lead strategic sourcing activity, shape category strategy, negotiate commercial agreements and help determine how the business selects, manages and gets the best from its HR suppliers.

You will work closely with HR, business leaders and external partners, bringing commercial discipline and strategic thinking to a varied portfolio that also includes company car procurement.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute category strategies across temporary labour, recruitment agencies, managed service providers and related HR services
• Lead sourcing initiatives, supplier selections and commercial negotiations
• Partner with HR stakeholders and business units to translate workforce needs into effective sourcing and supplier strategies
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements that balance cost, service quality and business requirements
• Build and manage supplier relationships across multiple regions, ensuring suppliers deliver against agreed commitments
• Drive value through cost optimisation, improved commercial terms and more effective procurement processes
• Monitor supplier performance, address service issues and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Stay close to labour market developments and ensure staffing agreements meet relevant legal requirements
• Help further professionalise a procurement function with a growing role as a trusted partner to the business

What we are looking for:

• At least eight years’ experience in procurement category management, with strong knowledge of HR services
• A clear track record of personally developing sourcing strategies and leading commercial negotiations
• Experience across temporary labour, managed service providers and company car procurement
• The confidence and communication style to build credibility with HR and business stakeholders
• Strong commercial judgement, with evidence of delivering value through supplier relationships, cost improvements and cash benefits
• Someone who thinks strategically but stays close to delivery, with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving problems
• Experience working in an established procurement function, with an understanding of effective category management and supplier governance
• The ability to manage suppliers across multiple regions and a willingness to visit sites in the Netherlands and Belgium

The role will suit an experienced HR Buyer ready for broader category ownership, or an established Category Manager who wants a position with real influence and close engagement with the business.

You will join an international procurement team with a clear mandate to strengthen stakeholder partnerships and deliver measurable business value. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, opportunities for development and flexibility to work from home alongside site visits