Strategic Procurement Manager 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

As Strategic Procurement Manager, you will lead the sourcing and supplier management strategy for direct materials, including chemicals, ingredients and packaging across Europe. This role will be a key member of the Global Raw Materials Procurement team, supporting the development and executing Global Sourcing Strategies for key raw materials. Th role will also work closely with Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams, you will play a key role in strengthening our end-to-end supply chain capabilities by ensuring continuity of supply, delivering measurable cost savings and productivity improvements, reducing supply risks through strategic supplier management, improving logistics performance and cost efficiency, and building strong supplier partnerships that support innovation and long-term business growth.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of procurement within an evolving European Supply Chain organization, with direct influence on sourcing strategy, cost competitiveness, supply continuity, supplier partnerships, and operational resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Global Direct Procurement team 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 in alignment with Global Procurement team
• 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 closely 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.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or related field.
• 8+ years in procurement, sourcing, category management, or direct materials purchasing.
• Experience managing large spend categories (preferably $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.

Personal Qualifications

• Strong commercial acumen and analytical capabilities.
• Results-oriented with a focus on delivering measurable business value.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across all levels of the organization.
• Structured, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and a continuous improvement mindset.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape procurement strategy across a growing European organization.
• A highly visible role with direct impact on business performance and supply chain resilience.
• Exposure to strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier partnerships across Europe.
• The opportunity to work within a global organization committed to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.