Category Manager - Sites and Processing

Category Manager Processing | Production Sites & Operational Procurement

Location: Utrecht Area, Hybrid

Permanent Role

Westpoint Search is supporting an international organisation as it appoints a Category Manager for a €150m spend across its production and operational procurement portfolio across Belgium and the Netherlands.

The business is continuing to develop and professionalise its procurement function, with a clear focus on supplier partnerships, operational performance, sustainability and commercial value.

This is an opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of approximately €150m in spend, lead a team of category buyers and join the Procurement Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Group Director Procurement.

Your portfolio will cover utilities, consumables, packaging, chemicals, facilities, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and large capital projects. These categories are central to how the business operates, giving you direct influence over site performance, efficiency and investment.

You will shape category strategy, build strong supplier partnerships and work closely with operational stakeholders to turn procurement opportunities into measurable results.

The role combines strategic ownership with practical delivery. You will help bring greater structure and consistency to procurement across multiple sites, while staying close to the business and understanding what teams need to operate effectively.

What you will do:

• Develop and execute category strategies across a broad production and operational procurement portfolio
• Lead and develop a team of category buyers, setting clear priorities and supporting delivery
• Build and manage supplier partnerships that improve performance and create long-term value
• Partner with operational leaders and site stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business needs
• Drive end-to-end process improvements, from procurement through to operational execution
• Identify opportunities for cost improvement, value creation and value chain optimisation
• Lead change initiatives and strengthen procurement practices across multiple sites and countries
• Build stakeholder alignment in a matrix organisation, communicating clearly and maintaining momentum
• Contribute to the Procurement Leadership Team and help further professionalise the wider function

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing or Procurement Management within a production or operational environment
• A clear track record of delivering sustainable commercial and operational results
• Experience developing category strategies and using them to align stakeholders around opportunities
• Strong supplier management skills and an approach centred on long-term partnerships
• Experience working across multiple sites and within a matrix organisation
• The ability to lead a team while remaining close to delivery and taking ownership of results
• Exposure to mature procurement practices, with a clear view of how to apply them in an evolving environment
• The confidence and communication style to challenge constructively and build trusted relationships
• A proactive, practical approach and the flexibility to work in a fast-paced business where structures are still developing

What’s on offer:

• Competitive salary with a bonus of up to 15%
• Company car, pension plan, laptop and smartphone
• Ownership of an approximately €150m procurement portfolio
• Flexible working across Belgium or the Netherlands, combining site presence, regular travel and home working, typically one or two days per week
• The opportunity to help shape and professionalise an evolving procurement function
• Career development within an international organisation focused on sustainability and long-term value creation

The role will suit an experienced Category Manager or Procurement Manager who enjoys working close to operations and wants broader responsibility, team leadership and a meaningful role in shaping a procurement function.

If you feel this is an opportunity that you would be keen to find out more about then apply and we will be in touch in the coming days for a confidential conversation.