Onderneming
Aluminium Duffel is a European leader in the manufacture and sale of aluminium rolled products for diverse industries worldwide. It features state-of-the art technology, including the widest Automotive cold rolling mill in Europe and a CALP-line (Continuous Annealing Line with Pre-Treatment).
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities produce rolled aluminium for everything from highly designed cladding for building facades to automotive body sheet. Almost everything we make is manufactured to specific customer requirements. We employ around 1.000 people and produce 200.000 tons of high-value aluminium rolled products annually.
It is our purpose to create a sustainable future for our industry and society. We continuously work to develop innovative solutions that will better position aluminium as the material of choice for customers and consumers seeking high-performance and sustainable products.
Functie
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Category Lead to join our procurement team, focusing on cost optimization during the engineering, planning and development phases of capital projects and maintenance operations in the aluminium (recycling, casting, and rolling) industry. This role is critical in minimizing project and maintenance costs through early involvement, controlling overengineering, and identifying competitive suppliers including from low-cost countries (LCCs)—to support the company’s cost-efficiency and performance targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Early Project Integration: Partner with engineering and project teams during concept and design phases to influence cost-effective design and material decisions.
- Control of Overengineering: Evaluate technical specifications, identify cost drivers, and work with stakeholders to eliminate excessive or unnecessary design features.
- LCC Supplier Development: Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers from low-cost regions with capabilities to supply the aluminium industry
- Cost Reduction Initiatives: Lead sourcing strategies that enable significant cost savings while maintaining technical integrity and supplier quality standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a bridge between procurement, engineering, and operations teams to ensure alignment on technical sourcing and cost objectives.
- Market Analysis and Benchmarking: Analyze material and component costs, and conduct supplier benchmarking to inform sourcing and negotiation strategies.
- Negotiation and Supplier Management: Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable terms on cost, lead times, and technical specifications while ensuring compliance with quality and sustainability standards.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation: Anticipate supply chain risks during early design phases and develop mitigation strategies, such as dual sourcing or early supplier involvement.
- Legal compliance of agreements: negotiate best conditions and identify risks.
Profiel
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 5–7 years of technical purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, experience in aluminium recycling, casting, or rolling is a plus.
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings, aluminium alloys, production processes, and specifications.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and procurement-related analytics tools.
- Ability to challenge and influence engineering designs with a cost-conscious mindset.
- Ability to work with and lead teams
- Very result oriented
- Knowledge of contract law
Aanbod
We offer you a challenging job in a dynamic team. As a company with more or less 1000 employees we have all market conform benefits to offer.
Talen
Fluent in English and Dutch