Category Buyer Indirect Material – North EMEA

Purpose of the position

An opportunity has arisen for a Category Buyer responsible for Indirect Material to join the Procurement Europe team, reporting to the Indirect Procurement Manager North EMEA.

The Category Buyer with no supervisory responsibility plays a key role in the strategic sourcing of indirect materials, services, MRO and CAPEX within defined categories to ensure an economical, transparent and demand-oriented supply for the organization. The role combines strategic and operational tasks. The purpose of this position is to ensure the achievement of defined cost‑saving targets while driving cash‑flow‑effective measures that deliver a tangible liquidity impact. The position holder is responsible for the development and implementation of category strategies, aiming to secure market‑competitive negotiation outcomes and maintain a high level of contract coverage and compliance.

In addition, the position focuses on continuously improving supplier performance and ensuring the timely delivery of services and outputs. It also contributes to standardisation initiatives across the organization and promotes a fully compliance-oriented way of working.

Key Accountabilities / Key Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of sourcing and category strategies for indirect materials, services, MRO and CAPEX
• Identification, evaluation and implementation of cost‑saving potential as well as measures to improve cashflow in line with defined targets
• Independent management of regional sourcing and savings projects as well as situational assumption of responsibility in global initiatives
• Execution of negotiations related to prices, contracts, service levels, claims and scopes of service
• Benchmarking, market and supplier analyses to drive cost optimisation, supplier development and the strategic advancement of the supplier portfolio
• Planning, execution and evaluation of tenders and e‑auctions
• Close collaboration with internal stakeholders and local purchasing and functional teams to define specifications, service levels and performance requirements
• Management and development of supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability and continuous improvement
• Conclusion, maintenance and optimisation of framework, service and supply contracts, including the maintenance of agreed pricing and commercial terms
• Support of the standardisation, harmonisation and continuous improvement of procurement processes
• Preparation and analysis of reports, KPIs and management information for Procurement Management
• Ensuring compliance as well as contractual and process adherence within the assigned categories
• Participation in ordering processes (review and approval)

Qualifications

• Graduate or Master’s degree in a business‑related field or completed commercial education with relevant further training
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in strategic procurement or a similar role e.g. Category Buyer, Strategic Buyer, Commodity Buyer in an industrial environment, ideally chemical, automotive or plant and mechanical engineering industries
• Knowledge in indirect materials, services and CAPEX, including negotiations, tenders and e‑auctions is an advantage
• Proven delivery of cost‑saving and cost optimisation initiatives
• Experience working with international stakeholders and global procurement organisations
• Confident use of ERP systems (SAP MM, JDE) and MS Office, especially Excel (mandatory)
• Understanding of tax and customs frameworks related to CAPEX, MRO and services
• Basic understanding of logistics principles and their impact on procurement
• Basic understanding of compliance, process and audit requirements in procurement
• Careful and compliant working style in line with governance and compliance requirements
• Excellent team player, communicates efficiently, autonomous, adaptive, well organized and initiative taker; solves problems effectively and demonstrates strong negotiation and assertiveness skills
• Analytical and business‑orientated mindset with strong problem‑solving capability
• Result‑ and target‑oriented, self‑motivated, independent and structured working style
• Resilience and confident performance in demanding situations
• Professional and self‑confident appearance towards internal and external partners
• High level of ownership and execution strength
• Strong willingness to learn and a quick grasp of new concepts
• Willingness to travel from time to time
• Fluent in English and German
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, the role is primarily office based – home office is possible 2 days a week after the probation period
• A valid work permit for Europe is essential

What we Offer

At Vesuvius, we believe that great results come from great people. We offer you an inspiring environment where courage, ownership, respect, and energy are not just values – they are the foundation of how we work together every day.

• We offer a highly competitive salary in line with the IG BCE collective agreement for the chemical industry, including holiday pay, a Christmas bonus and allowances above the standard rate.
• We also provide family‑friendly working hours (37.5 hours per week) and a supportive environment that fosters initiative, personal responsibility, respect, and enthusiasm.
• We are constantly working to develop Vesuvius further and prepare it for future challenges. This includes contemporary workplaces, internal and external training opportunities, a heavily subsidised pension scheme, free drinks and fruit, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• You can also look forward to staff events and other attractive benefits, such as 30–50 days’ annual leave, working time accounts, and regular health checks.
• We offer the scale and security of an international group combined with a family‑like atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities for development within our rapidly growing industrial environment.