Strategic Procurement Lead - Europe

Balchem; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Balchem in Amsterdam seeks a Strategic Procurement Manager to lead direct materials sourcing, including chemicals, ingredients and packaging, across Europe. You will shape global raw materials strategy within a growing European supply chain, driving continuity and value for the business.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize supplier partnerships, negotiate strategic contracts, and deliver measurable cost savings and productivity improvements while reducing supply risks

Qualifications

• 8+ years in procurement, sourcing, category management, or direct materials purchasing.
• Experience managing large spend categories (> $30M).
• Strong knowledge of commodity markets, cost drivers, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience with category strategy, cost analysis, and stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience in the petro-chemicals Industry is preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems and leveraging data to support decision-making.
• Professional procurement or supply chain certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, CSCP) are considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Global Direct Procurement to develop and execute sourcing strategies for chemicals, ingredients and packaging across Europe.
• Lead supplier selection processes, contract negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Deliver annual cost savings, procurement productivity, and working capital improvement targets.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs, business reviews, and continuous improvement programs.
• Monitor market trends, cost drivers, and supply risks to ensure continuity of supply.
• Drive supplier risk management activities, including dual sourcing strategies and mitigation plans for critical materials.
• Partner with Supply Planning and S&OP teams to align procurement strategies with demand and supply plans.
• Support new product launches, network optimization initiatives, and strategic growth projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve sustainability, supplier resilience, and total delivered cost.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support operational excellence and customer service objectives.

Skills

Procurement experience

Sourcing strategy

Cost analysis

Stakeholder management

Project management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Balchem in Amsterdam seeks a Strategic Procurement Manager to lead direct materials sourcing, including chemicals, ingredients and packaging, across Europe. You will shape global raw materials strategy within a growing European supply chain, driving continuity and value for the business.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize supplier partnerships, negotiate strategic contracts, and deliver measurable cost savings and productivity improvements while reducing supply risks