Location: Netherlands
Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
Reports To: Supply Chain Operations Director
Position Summary
The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for leading procurement activities for the Netherlands operation, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services while maintaining quality and supply continuity. The role drives supplier performance, implements global procurement standards, supports business transformation initiatives, and develops strategic sourcing opportunities that contribute to operational excellence and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement activities for direct and indirect materials, products, and services, from requisition stage until settlement/payment.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with local and global business objectives.
- Manage and strengthen relationships with key strategic suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements to deliver cost savings and value.
- Lead the implementation and deployment of the Global Purchasing Policy within the Netherlands organization.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement standards and applicable Dutch and EU regulations.
- Participate in the design, testing, implementation, and stabilization of the JD Edwards (JDE) ERP system in collaboration with global stakeholders.
- Act as the procurement subject matter expert during JDE implementation activities.
- Support inventory optimization, supply continuity, and risk mitigation initiatives.
- Collaborate with Planning, Operations, Logistics, Finance, Quality, and Engineering teams.
- Drive supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, or related field.
• 5+ years of procurement or purchasing experience. NEVI 1 certification is considered an advantage.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and contract management.
• ERP experience; JD Edwards (JDE) preferred.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, stakeholder management, and project management skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Procurement savings and cost avoidance
- Top 25 supplier spend management and savings delivery
- Global Purchasing Policy deployment milestones
- JDE implementation success and process adoption
- Inventory optimization and shortage reduction
Your benefits and working environment
- 25 days paid holidays (by full time employment)
- 13 days paid ATV (by full time employment)
- Vitality leave to facilitate sustainable employability (number of days depending on age)
- Holiday allowance of 8,33%
- Flexible working hours (depending on the job)
- Lease-a-bike to promote sustainable employability
- Discount on collective health insurances with CZ and Nationale Nederlanden
- Commuting allowance according to the CLA for Horticultural Seed Companies
- Free fresh fruits
- Free fresh vegetables to take home in the growing season
- CLA for Horticultural Seed Companies
- Career opportunities within Limagrain Group (access to all vacancies, locally & abroad)
- Leaning & Development opportunities (Limagrain Group)
- Working with passionate colleagues
- Active Employee Association (regular events, e.g BBQ & Padel)
Recruitment process
Our recruitment process consists of two interviews (we may deviate from this process in particular cases, in which you will be informed in advance.)
The first interview focuses on understanding the candidate’s background, experience, and motivation for the role, as well as assessing overall fit.
The second interview is more in-depth and explores role-specific skills, competencies, and alignment with the team and company culture. A final decision is made following this stage.
Candidates may be asked to complete an assessment designed to evaluate role-specific skills.