Context
RAJA Group is the European leader in multichannel distribution of packaging, office supplies and industrial equipment, serving more than 2 million customers across 27 countries. Driven by a sustainable growth strategy focused on commercial performance, digitalisation and customer proximity, the Group continues to strengthen its market leadership across Europe.
As part of this strategic ambition, RAJA is recruiting their Purchase & Product Director for BENELUX & DACH perimeters (position based in Tongeren). The Purchase & Product Director will be sitting on the Benelux Comex, the position offers high visibility and significant influence across local, regional and Group levels, acting as a key bridge between business operations and Group functions.
The Purchase and Product Director manages a purchasing budget of approximately €70M and an 18-person team based mainly in Belgium. Covering both Purchasing and Product/Category Management across 15–17 categories, the function plays a central role in driving competitiveness, margin performance and customer satisfaction.
The Role
Based in Tongeren (with a strong on-site presence expected), the Purchase & Product Director will lead the strategy, performance and development of purchasing and product/category management activities for Zone 2, fully aligned with the Group vision and policies.
The role combines:
* Business leadership: competitiveness, margin improvement and value creation
* Operational leadership: processes, workload optimisation, data quality and performance steering
* People leadership: coaching and developing an 18-person team within a performance-driven environment
The Director will translate Group strategy into a clear and actionable roadmap for Benelux and Zone 2, ensuring:
* optimal sourcing strategies
* competitive pricing
* customer-centric product positioning
* continuous optimisation of the product portfolio
The position also requires close collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Logistics and Group Purchasing/Product teams, while actively promoting the strategic contribution of Purchasing internally.
Key Challenges & Impact
The Purchase & Product Director will play a central role in:
* securing competitive and profitable purchasing conditions for Zone 2
* developing sourcing strategies across Benelux and DACH
* leading category strategies across key product families
* continuously optimising product offerings in line with customer expectations and market trends
* increasing the internal visibility and strategic impact of Purchasing
* improving organisation, prioritisation and sustainable team performance
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a senior purchasing and product professional looking to shape strategy, influence decision-making at executive level and contribute directly to the growth and competitiveness of a European market leader.
Profil
Experience & Background
* 10+ years of experience in Purchasing, Procurement, Category Management or Product Management
* Strong background in B2B environments such as distribution, industry or packaging
* Proven experience managing significant purchasing budgets and delivering measurable margin improvements
* Experience within international or matrix organisations, balancing Group guidelines with local business realities
* Exposure to Benelux and/or DACH markets is highly valued
* Strong expertise in supplier management, tenders, negotiations and complex pricing structures
Technical & Functional Skills
* Strong command of sourcing, negotiation, contracts, supplier development and risk management
* Advanced category management capabilities: assortment strategy, lifecycle management, pricing and innovation
* Ability to manage end-to-end purchasing and product processesStrong analytical mindset and affinity with data, reporting tools and ERP systems
* Ability to structure processes, prioritise effectively and optimise cross-functional collaboration
Leadership & Soft Skills
* Pragmatic and hands‑on leader able to coach, structure and develop teams
* Strong influencing and communication skills in commercially driven environments
* Resilient, adaptable and comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments
* Entrepreneurial, curious and solution-oriented mindset
* Ability to challenge constructively and defend priorities with confidence
Languages
* Fluent Dutch and English required
* French is a strong asset
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