Strategic Buyer

Brighter Together KRONOS Europe is one of the six production sites of KRONOS Worldwide Inc. Thanks to the dedication of our 2,250 colleagues worldwide (300 of whom are based in Ghent), we’ve grown into a global leader in the chemical sector.

We produce Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), a white pigment with exceptional coverage. You’ll find TiO₂ in coatings, plastics, inks, paper, and even cosmetics. It makes products whiter and adds brilliance. You could say we literally add color to the world.

Here in Ghent, we produce approximately 90,000 tons of TiO₂ annually, all in a sustainable and safe manner. For over 65 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the Ghent Canal Zone.

What will you do? As a Strategic Buyer, you contribute to the continuity and competitiveness of our production. You think beyond purchasing: you develop strategies, analyze markets, and negotiate strong contracts that enhance our reliability, cost structure, and supplier relationships. You thrive on forward thinking, structuring, and collaborating across different departments.

A selection of your responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category and supplier strategies in line with the local procurement policy for both direct and indirect items (goods/services/raw materials/packaging/energy).
• Conduct complex negotiations and conclude long-term contracts.
• Analyze market trends, cost structures, and risks, and translate them into strategic actions.
• Manage Total Cost of Ownership and monitor supplier performance.
• Manage and optimize contracts, KPIs, and supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, and Production to identify alternatives and achieve improvements.
• Oversee the complete procurement flow (request → contract → purchase order → delivery) with a strategic, high-level perspective.

Who are you? You are a strategic, analytical negotiator who understands how markets move and how suppliers think. You see procurement as a lever for value creation and you work proactively, accurately, and solution‑oriented.

Our ideal match recognizes themselves in the following profile:

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience
• Several years of experience in strategic procurement
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract management
• Analytical strengths: TCO, market analysis, risk assessment
• Good SAP knowledge
• Basic technical understanding of industrial applications
• Clear communication skills in Dutch and English (German is a nice-to-have)

What do we offer? We offer a highly driven work environment in an organization that’s large enough to foster development yet small enough for you to make a tangible impact. You’ll have plenty of room to take initiative and grow personally. KRONOS is financially stable, enabling us to consistently invest in a better future.

In return for your expertise, we offer an excellent compensation package tailored to your knowledge, experience, and skills.