Raw Materials Buyer
- Supply Chain
- Full-time
- Hapert, Netherlands
- 4000 - 6000
Shape the global purchasing strategy for our manufacturing plants and locations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
At The Schippers Group, we prove every day that successful livestock farming starts with superior hygiene. Our smart solutions empower farmers to maintain animal health, drastically reduce antibiotic reliance, and maximize operational profitability. To support our rapid global expansion—anchored by our own manufacturing plants and offices across Europe, North America, and Asia—a highly resilient supply chain is critical.
As our Raw Materials Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in this growth. You will take full ownership of our market strategy, negotiate high-impact agreements, and ensure high-quality raw materials arrive at our facilities under optimal commercial terms. From TPU granules for our ear tags to key chemical compounds for MS MegaDes and packaging materials, you keep our international production running without interruption.
What are you going to do?
You will take end-to-end ownership of the raw material procurement lifecycle for our production sites and international locations. We are looking for a commercial negotiator, not an order processor—someone who actively identifies and capitalizes on market opportunities.
- International Contracting & Negotiation: Drive direct negotiations with global suppliers across chemicals, plastics, and agrifood ingredients. Whether aligning with a chemical lab in Germany or a polymer supplier in Shanghai, you rigorously optimize pricing, volume terms, and lead times while securing robust legal contracts.
- Supplier Management & Performance: Build and maintain a reliable, high-performing global supplier base. Monitor vendor performance through strict KPIs and challenge partners to continuously improve cost structures, quality, and delivery reliability.
- Data-Driven Market Intelligence: Leverage data within our central S/4HANA ERP system to track global raw material commodities and price indices. If market trends signal potential cost increases for key products (such as MS Topfoam), you proactively collaborate with Procurement and Production to hedge pricing and lock in volumes.
- Cross-Functional Supply Chain Alignment: Collaborate closely with stakeholders across the organization. On any given day, you might align on specifications with R&D in the morning, coordinate with Plant Management by mid-day, and present alternative sourcing strategies to Ruud, our Procurement Manager, by late afternoon.
What we are looking for?
We are seeking an ambitious procurement professional with a pragmatic, commercial mindset and a track record of driving tangible bottom-line results.
- Proven Procurement Experience: 2 to 4 years of tactical purchasing experience. Prior exposure to the chemical, agrifood, or raw materials sector is a bonus.
- Advanced Negotiation Skills: Confident in high-stakes, international negotiations. You know how to conduct deep cost-breakdown analyses, evaluate supplier margins, and leverage data to secure optimal commercial terms.
- Analytical & Financial Acumen: Adept at analyzing complex cost structures and price breakdown models to quickly pinpoint margin opportunities and make data-driven decisions.
- Decisive & Communicative: Strong decision-making skills with the ability to build rapport across all levels—from global suppliers in Asia to local factory floor managers. Fluent in both written and spoken Dutch and English.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree level of working and thinking (HBO/University level). Professional procurement certifications (such as NEVI 1/2, CIPS, or equivalent) are an advantage.
What we offer?
At The Schippers Group, you will join a fast-growing, entrepreneurial family business defined by an informal culture and a pragmatic, hard-working mindset where success is celebrated together.
- Global Strategic Scope: Take full responsibility for the raw materials category and directly influence the strategic direction and quality of our international product portfolio.
- Direct Operational Impact: Secure raw material supply continuity and quality, directly underpinning the technology that livestock farmers rely on globally.
- Competitive Remuneration: A gross monthly salary between €4,000 and €6,000 (depending on experience), plus an annual performance bonus of up to 10%.
- First-Class Working Environment: Based at our modern headquarters in Hapert (conveniently located off the A67, 15 minutes from Eindhoven). Enjoy subsidized fresh lunches, regular team socials, and free access to our on-site gym and squash court.
