Category Buyer

As a Category Buyer within the Power Solutions team (Transmission, Hydraulics, Electrical & Pneumatics), you play a key role in owning and developing your product category - from customer need to sourcing and supplier performance. You are part of a team that ensures Kramp offers the right assortment, at the best cost, delivered efficiently and own a supplier portfolio that aligns with the broader category strategy & plans. 

In this role, you identify, select and manage suppliers to ensure a best-in-class supplier portfolio. You define and execute supplier strategy and plans, meet value proposition requirements, protect profitability and enhance overall supply chain performance. You’ll take a leading position in bridging category buying and engineering by strengthening collaboration with our in-house team, Hydraulic Cylinder Solutions (HCS). You will help translate product requirements into supplier capabilities and designs, manage subcontracting processes, and build a solid supplier development plan that supports both quality and growth ambitions. 

This position is based in Varsseveld following our hybrid work policy of 2-3 office days per week. 

What is your role?   

You negotiate prices, terms and delivery schedules to secure top market propositions and cost-effective rates. You drive supplier performance by monitoring against targets, initiating development initiatives, and addressing underperformance. You analyze market and competitor insights to make informed buying decisions and run tender processes to support tactical buying, while maintaining a competitive and appealing product assortment. 

You will report to the Head of Power Solutions and work as tandem with the Category Managers. 

Your specific tasks include:   

• Supplier Portfolio Management. Develop, manage, and optimize a robust supplier base aligned with category strategy. Ensure quality, cost-efficiency, and delivery performance while supporting business continuity and growth. 

• Category & Supplier Strategy. Define and execute category buying strategies including clear development plans for key suppliers. Contribute to business planning and margin improvement initiatives. 

• Subcontracting & Sourcing. Manage subcontracting processes, guide supplier selection for custom-built components, and collaborate closely with engineering to align on technical requirements. 

• Supplier Relationship Management. Lead supplier negotiations, contracts, and performance discussions. Proactively address gaps, build long-term partnerships, and drive improvements. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration. Act as a bridge between purchasing, engineering, and category management. Support new product introductions and ensure alignment on deliverables and timelines. 

• Tendering & Cost Management. Run benchmarks and tenders, and secure cost-effective propositions. Monitor cost drivers and identify opportunities for savings without compromising quality or availability. 

• Organizational Development in HCS. Help structure the buying and supplier management approach within the HCS setup, driving maturity, transparency, and a clear operational model. 

Who are you?   

This is a senior role for someone with strong technical and procurement experience – ideally in outsourced manufacturing or subcontracting – who enjoys shaping structure, building supplier relationships, and enabling growth. 

What will make you successful in this role? 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent working experience 

• 5+ years of experience in category buying, strategic sourcing, or procurement of technical/engineered products 

• Strong understanding of outsourced production and subcontracting processes 

• Experience with supplier development and performance management 

• A proactive, structured, and independent working style 

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills 

• Willingness to work from Varsseveld office 2+ days per week 

Key Competencies for Success 

• Strategic and hands-on. You plan effectively, prioritize with purpose, and turn strategy into action. 

• Clear and collaborative communicator. You engage stakeholders with tailored communication and build alignment across teams. 

• Accountable and business-savvy. You take ownership, deliver results, and keep a sharp eye on market trends and supplier performance. 

What do we offer?   

We are an ambitious, fast-growing and financially sound organization. You can obviously expect:  

• 25 vacation days and 12 ATV days (based on a fulltime NL contract) 

• Flexible working policy in hours and location 

• Travel- and working from home allowance  company car (?) 

• Profit sharing bonus 

• Great budget for training and courses 

• Generous pension plan 

Do you want to join us?   
In case you feel challenged by the above role description and requirements, we are interested in meeting you! Please use the application button and send your CV and cover letter.  

If you do not fully meet all requirements for this role, and you think you would be a good match for us, please apply and convince us.   

Do you have a question about this role? Please do not hesitate to contact Julia, Tech Talent Acquisition Partner,  julia.bodun@kramp.com  

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About us   

Thanks to our ambitions we are active throughout Europe: a leading position in the agricultural market for parts. We heavily invest in E-Business and innovations. Our aim is to make it easy for our customers to run their business. Working at Kramp means working with over 3500 international colleagues. The people at Kramp are enthusiastic, professional and involved. We speak our customers’ language, understand their challenges and earn their trust to exceed their expectations. Our promise “It’s that easy” is embedded in our culture and DNA.    

Working at Kramp means:   

… you belong here! Being part of our open business community   
… your work makes a difference! Have an impact on what matters   

… you will develop and realize! Learn and realize your potential   

 More about Kramp: https://www.careeratkramp.com/nl-nl