Senior Category Buyer Transport & Logistics

Senior Category Buyer Transport & Logistics

AB InBev

Leuven, Belgium

The Category Buyer VLC is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for RPO VLC Category via strategic sourcing initiatives and optimization projects, as well as performing spot buy. The role negotiates strategic and tactical purchases and implements contracts for the VLC category ensuring benefits in service levels, quality, price, etc.

The key accountabilities for this role include:

Strategic Category Sourcing

• Define & execute category strategy and risk mitigation plans
• Execute strategic & tactical sourcing
• Manage supplier relationship and develop collaborative initiatives
• Generate savings & added value by negotiation and project implementation

Execute Spot Buys

• Identify suppliers for specific need or categories
• Utilize properly SAP/Ariba
• Conduct RFQ/e-Auction
• Analyse results, negotiate and select supplier

Manage Contracts

• Identify suppliers meeting business requirements
• Negotiate with suppliers and select the best option
• Review, sign and ensure implementation of negotiated contracts/PO’s
• Resolve outstanding contract/PO issues and claims
• Complete contract termination requests & submit for approval
• Consolidate contracts locally as well as across countries
• Assure timely contract renewal and manage/plan contract expiration dates

Continuous Improvement

• Drive/maintain highest automation levels
• Drive spend coverage via Procurement
• Drive proper/transparent contracting/purchasing methods
• Request vendor or material data cleansing
• Escalate issues to Procurement & Sustainability Manager

Qualifications and technical competencies required:

Education

• University Degree or equivalent or adequate experience

Critical skills needed for success in this position

• Strong analytical skills
• Hands-on procurement/category management experience
• Strategic mindset
• Basic knowledge of finance and accounting
• Communicating effectively by conveying information and ideas in English, in a clear, meaningful, and timely manner, providing information to ensure understanding
• Solicit inputs and provide open candid conversations
• Developing collaborative relationships for the purpose of accomplishing work objectives
• Developing relationships with other individuals by listening, sharing ideas, and appreciating others’ efforts
• Ability to conceptualize business impact focused analytics

Preferred skills for this position

• >1 years of relevant procurement working experience in a supply chain, Purchasing or Financial environment
• Understanding of sourcing and analytics tools such as Ariba, SAP MM/SRM, advanced MS Excel, MS Access, Database tools (SQL etc.)
• TMS Basic knowledge on using e-sourcing tools