Strategic Purchaser

Marel GDC B.V.; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Marel GDC B.V. in Eindhoven is seeking an experienced Strategic Purchaser to shape sourcing strategies and strengthen supplier partnerships in an international environment.

You will develop and execute category strategies, lead negotiations, monitor performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure a reliable, optimized supply chain. Fluent English is required; Dutch is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level thinking and working
• Experience in strategic purchasing or procurement in complex industrial/manufacturing environments
• Experience operating in international organizations with cross-functional stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and act as strategic partner to key suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations and secure favorable commercial and operational agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvement initiatives for quality, delivery, and service levels.
• Analyze market trends, risks, and opportunities to strengthen sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Commercial.
• Support new product introductions from a procurement perspective.
• Drive supplier performance management through structured reviews and proactive engagement.
• Utilize data, market intelligence, and analytics to support strategic decisions.
• Prepare and present purchasing performance reports and recommendations to management.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Data analysis

Procurement strategy

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor degree

Job description

Join JBT Marel and help shape the future of strategic sourcing At JBT Marel, we are transforming the future of food processing technology. As part of our continued growth and professionalization of the Purchasing organization, we are looking for an experienced Strategic Purchaser to strengthen our team in Eindhoven. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive procurement professional who enjoys building supplier partnerships, driving continuous improvement, and creating long-term sourcing strategies in an international and dynamic environment. The role has been created to support the growing need for strategic purchasing activities and to help further professionalize supplier management and purchasing processes within the organization.

What you'll do

As Strategic Purchaser, you will play a key role in developing and executing sourcing strategies that support business objectives, supplier performance, and operational excellence. You will work closely with suppliers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure a reliable and efficient supply chain while continuously identifying opportunities for improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and act as a strategic partner to key suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations and secure favorable commercial and operational agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives to drive quality, delivery reliability, and service levels.
• Analyze market trends, risks, and opportunities to strengthen sourcing decisions.
• Identify cost optimization and innovation opportunities across supplier portfolios.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Commercial teams.
• Support new product introductions and business initiatives from a procurement perspective.
• Drive supplier performance management through structured reviews and proactive engagement.
• Utilize data, market intelligence, and digital analytics to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present purchasing performance reports and recommendations to management.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and further development of procurement processes, tools, and ways of working.
• Act as a subject matter expert and informal mentor for less experienced colleagues.

What you'll bring

You are a strategic thinker with a strong procurement mindset and the ability to balance long-term initiatives with day-to-day business needs. You know how to influence stakeholders, challenge suppliers, and create sustainable improvements.

• Bachelor working and thinking level.
• Proven experience in a strategic purchasing, category management, or procurement role within a complex industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating in international organizations and managing stakeholders across functions and locations.
• Strong supplier management and contract negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies.
• Experience driving supplier performance improvements and process optimization initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to utilize data for decision-making.
• A proactive, structured, and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English language skills; Dutch is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Who you are

• Thinks strategically and focuses on both mid- and long-term objectives.
• Takes ownership and drives initiatives forward proactively.
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Enjoys creating structure, improving processes, and solving complex challenges.
• Balances commercial awareness with operational realities.
• Thrives in a changing environment and enjoys building new ways of working.

Why join JBT Marel?

At JBT Marel, you'll become part of a global organization committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on our procurement organization while working with talented colleagues across multiple countries.

We offer:

• A challenging and strategic role with high visibility.
• The opportunity to shape and further professionalize purchasing activities.
• An international and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Ready to make an impact?