Strategic Purchaser
Key Skills
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. We Are Looking For Someone With 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 You are someone who: 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? If you are an experienced procurement professional who enjoys driving supplier performance, building sourcing strategies, and creating lasting business value, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us shape the future of food processing technology at JBT Marel.
Core Responsibilities
Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies, negotiate supplier contracts, and manage supplier relationships and performance to improve quality, delivery, service, and cost. Collaborate with internal teams, use market and performance data to guide decisions, support business initiatives, and improve procurement processes.
Requirements
Requires bachelor-level working and thinking ability and proven strategic purchasing, category management, or procurement experience in a complex industrial or manufacturing environment. Candidates should bring international stakeholder experience, strong supplier and negotiation skills, analytical ability, and fluent English; Dutch is an advantage but not required.
Benefits
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Growth Opportunities
About JBT Marel
Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
JBT Marel is a leading global provider of integrated technology, equipment, software, and services to the food and beverage industry. Driven by a singular purpose—to transform the future of food—we empower businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. Whether you operate in animal protein, plant-based products, fresh produce, ready meals, beverages, or beyond, we’re here to work with you. We combine transformative technology, applied knowledge, and holistic thinking to solve your most pressing challenges and support your most ambitious goals. JBT Marel unites JBT and Marel, two pioneering companies with complementary strengths. With our combined portfolios, we’re exceptionally well-equipped to provide you with precisely the solutions you need. And with a global team of talented professionals and a presence in over 30 countries, we offer a world of expertise and service excellence. Guided by sustainability and working in close partnership, we’re here to help you make a meaningful difference. Together, let’s transform the future of food. *The JBT Marel trademark is current undergoing registration and in some jurisdictions may already be registered. We reserve all rights in connection with enforcement and protection of our trademark.