Buyer, Indirect Spend

About Eastman

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.

Role Description

The Buyer is responsible for spearheading sourcing initiatives for designated strategic and non-strategic projects, categories, materials, and services within the EMEA region. The primary aim is to secure the most favorable total cost of ownership and supply conditions for Eastman and its EMEA sites. This role emphasizes the development of in-depth market insights, driving continuous cost reductions while ensuring product quality and supplier service levels are maintained or enhanced. Additionally, the Buyer will focus on improving cash flow and will be tasked with evaluating risks and formulating effective mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.

This role is preferably based in Rotterdam but is open to internal applicants in other Eastman locations in Belgium and Germany.

Responsibilities

• Collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure that sourcing strategies are aligned with the business's requirements.
• Negotiation: Leading negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, prices, and contracts. This often requires a deep understanding of market conditions and supplier capabilities.
• Performance Measurement: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess supplier performance and the effectiveness of sourcing strategies, building into contract agreements.
• Continuous Improvement: Staying informed about industry trends and best practices, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance sourcing processes.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring that the products and services sourced meet the required quality standards. This may involve working closely with quality assurance teams.
• Cost Management: Monitoring and controlling procurement costs to ensure they align with the budget. Identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Mitigating hidden costs and risk.
• Supplier Management: Identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers based on quality, cost, and delivery capabilities. Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. Looking for synergies and efficiency opportunities.
• Contract Management: Create and ensure compliance with contracts in line with Eastman’s Icertis framework.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with key stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business needs.
• Effective Communication: Maintain clear communication and effective management of sourcing activities.
• Data Management: Keep the ServiceNow system updated to reflect live data and actual workloads.
• Strategic Sourcing: Developing and implementing sourcing strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives. This may involve market analysis and trend forecasting.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and German is required
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; business, economics, technical or science, required
• 3-6 years of experience that encompasses procurement and sourcing responsibilities, including supplier negotiations, contract management, and strategic sourcing initiatives, including experience built in the commercial environment.
• Ability to influence, motivate, and negotiate effectively
• Data analytics skills and business intelligence gathering ability
• Dedication to delivering impactful outcomes

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Job Segment: Strategic Sourcing, QA, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Purchasing, Operations, Quality, Technology, Finance