Purchasing Category Manager

SIRE LIFE SCIENCES; Breda; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SIRE LIFE SCIENCES, located in Breda, Netherlands, is looking for a Procurement Specialist. This role focuses on managing supplier relationships and driving cost optimization in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 2+ years of experience in procurement, and is fluent in Dutch with strong English skills. Responsibilities include developing category management strategies, collaborating with teams, and analyzing procurement data for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of experience in procurement or category management role.
• Fluent in Dutch and strong English communication skills (B2+ minimum).
• Experience in the food industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category management strategies.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development.
• Identify new sourcing opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Track and analyze category performance through KPIs.

Skills

Supplier negotiations

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or University degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Tools

Procurement systems

ERP platforms

E-sourcing tools

Job description

The Company

We are representing a well-established manufacturer of frozen food products, specializing in snacks such as croquettes, bitter Ballen, frikandel, Mexicano, and vegetarian options. With a dedicated team of over 600 employees across multiple locations in Europe, the company takes pride in producing high-quality, popular food items.

About the Role

This role is focused on strategic category management and procurement, driving cost optimization, supplier performance, and long-term sourcing strategies across international markets. The candidate will manage supplier relationships, lead negotiations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D to support innovation and business growth. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, along with experience in procurement systems and fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category management strategies to achieve purchasing, cost optimization, and supply continuity objectives.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationships, including supplier selection, performance evaluation, contract negotiations, and long-term partnership development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as R&D, operations, and regional procurement teams to support product development, sourcing initiatives, and market alignment.
• Identify and implement new sourcing opportunities, alternative suppliers, and efficiency improvements while monitoring market trends and procurement risks.
• Track and analyze category performance through KPIs, procurement data, and market insights to drive continuous improvement, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or University degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, with at least 2+ years of experience in a similar procurement or category management role.
• Strong experience in supplier negotiations, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration, preferably within an international or fast-paced business environment.
• Fluent Dutch and strong English communication skills (B2+ minimum) are required; Spanish language skills are considered an advantage.
• Hands‑on experience with procurement systems, ERP platforms, e‑sourcing tools, dashboards, and data analysis for category performance and cost optimization.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, results‑driven mindset; experience in the food industry is a plus.