Strategic Purchaser

Ready to shape the future of strategic procurement and innovation?

JBT Marel is seeking a proactive and driven Strategic Purchaser to join our Strategic Procurement team in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. In this high-impact role, you will help define category strategies, lead sourcing initiatives, and ensure our supply chain is ready for future innovation and growth.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and the New Product Industrialization (NPI) function — playing a key role in bringing new technologies to life while managing a critical portfolio of transmission and control-system. This is a role for someone who is analytical, influential, and forward-thinking — someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, supplier strategy, and commercial decision-making.

What you’ll be doing

• Drive and refine category strategies for motors, drives, controls, vision & data management systems
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for all the entities within the business unit
• Ensure supply chain readiness for new product developments in collaboration with Innovation, Engineering, and the NPI team
• Develop cost models, analyse market trends, and identify opportunities for cost and performance improvements
• Advise internal stakeholders on sourcing decisions, demand shaping, and specification optimization
• Manage category supplier relationships, including Preferred Supplier Lists (NDSL) for new developments
• Monitor and improve vendor performance across Quality, Logistics, Technology, Cost, and Sustainability (QLTCS)
• Support supplier integration in early design stages and ensure procurement deliverables meet NPI stage-gate milestones
• Collaborate closely with Operational Procurement, Supplier Quality, and Operations to ensure alignment across the value chain
• Prepare the supply base for future growth and long-term technology requirements

About You

You are strategic, communicative, and passionate about driving improvement. You enjoy working with suppliers, technical teams, and leadership to influence decisions and deliver measurable results.

• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to influence across teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
• Integrity, professionalism, and alignment with JBT Marel values
• Strong analytical capabilities and the ability to interpret complex data
• A structured, detail-oriented, and customer-focused mindset
• Resilience, adaptability, and comfort working in a fast-changing environment
• Drive and accountability to deliver on both operational and strategic goals

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Electrical Engineering, Technical Business Administration, etc.)
• Several years of experience in strategic procurement, including cross-functional project involvement (preferred at an OEM)
• Extensive experience with transmission- and control-system
• Strong technical understanding and ability to collaborate with engineering teams
• Experience working in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments
• ERP experience (SAP preferred)
• Solid understanding of supply chain processes, planning, and vendor management
• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal)

What’s in it for you

• A strategic and influential role within a global innovation-driven company
• Direct involvement in new product development and early-stage technology design
• A collaborative, international work environment with multi-disciplinary exposure
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• A culture that values innovation, unity, and continuous improvement
• The ability to shape supplier strategy and influence long-term business success

Who we are

JBT Marel is a global leader in food processing technology, committed to transforming the industry through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Our teams work across borders to develop cutting-edge solutions that help produce food safely, affordably, and responsibly.

If you’re ready to take on a strategic role and help drive supply chain excellence for a global leader in food processing technology, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Apply by sending your application and CV to:
Craig Maiden, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Email: Craig.maiden@marel.com

Join us — and help build the future of innovative, sustainable food production.