European Buyer

Purpose

Reporting directly to the Europe Procurement Director located in France, the Buyer – Europe ensures that goods and services are delivered on time, at the best total cost of ownership and with the right level of quality across the European region.

The role covers all purchasing categories. It works closely with the global Category Managers, business stakeholders, Finance, Legal and key suppliers to apply category strategies in Europe and deliver value through sourcing and supplier relationship management.

Key Missions

As Buyer for Europe, in charge of all spend categories, you will:

• Apply the global category strategies in Europe, working closely with each Category Manager, and give them feedback on local market conditions, needs and opportunities.
• Act as the main procurement contact for business stakeholders in Europe: understand and challenge their needs, and make sure they engage with and support the sourcing decisions.
• Source suppliers across European markets, run RFIs and RFQs, and prepare contracts with internal customers and Legal.
• Negotiate cost-effective agreements with suppliers that deliver measurable savings, taking local market practices into account.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable EU and national regulations (including GDPR, subcontracting obligations and CSR requirements).
• Ensure contracts are implemented effectively in each country concerned.
• Manage the settlement of disputes with suppliers.
• Monitor the performance of the European supplier base, and lead initiatives that drive cost optimisation, better quality and service, innovation, stronger supplier relationships and risk management.
• Drive harmonisation and standardisation of procurement practices across European countries, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Profile & Other Information

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in procurement, supply chain, business or equivalent.
• A professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM or ISM is an advantage.

Professional experience

• 3 to 5 years of procurement experience across several categories.
• Experience of procurement in several European countries.
• Experience working with multicultural and remote teams in a complex international environment.

Key competencies

• Fluent English. French is a strong advantage; another European language is a plus.
• Strong understanding of procurement best practices and category management.
• Curiosity, and the ability to switch quickly from one category or topic to another.
• High level of autonomy.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work professionally with middle and senior management.
• Ability to handle confidential information.