This recruitment is managed by ResearcHR (for sourcing) and ASpiration HR (for recruitment and selection).
Our client, Swegon Operations Belgium, is a leader in indoor climate solutions, combining innovation, quality, and sustainability across more than 20 countries. The Gembloux site in Belgium is a key production hub for air handling units, known for its advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing.
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic sourcing & operational procurement of materials, equipment, and services necessary for industrial operations and facility management. This role ensures that purchasing activities predominant in overall profitability are cost-effective, timely, and aligned with the company’s production needs, the quality standards and the Swegon strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
* Keep direct responsibility for several strategic suppliers ensuring adequate operational follow-up while demonstrating a leading hands-on, pro-reactive, cooperative & efficient attitude.
* Lead and develop the purchasing team in operational sourcing and tactical negotiation dimensions, balancing assignments and setting clear goals & measurable KPIs.
* Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to ensure optimal balance between pricing, quality and delivery patterns while having also a strong focus on overall working capital objectives.
* Develop and implement procurement strategies that support production schedules, cost targets and product mix evolutions through constant enhancing of forecasting systems involving production, design, R&D, business development and finance teams (Sales & Operations Planning structure).
* Become an expert in internal management systems (ie. ERP+) to be mastered, properly configurated, regularly updated and further enhanced for continuous improvement..
* Document clear efficient procedures & organize agreement’s traceability for management follow-up, trainings and ISO purposes.
* Monitor supplier performance with corrective action plans when needed (score cards) and maintain strong vendor’s relationships to ensure reliability and continuous improvement.
* Identify and mitigate supply chain risks by organizing minimum dual sourcing based on clear standard specifications for all (critical) components combined with contingency planning.
* Develop with R&D support, innovative mindset with suppliers ensuring Swegon prime access to new solutions and develop sustainability solutions towards 2030 target for reducing GHG emissions intensity by 52%.
* Liaise with other Swegon entities for suppliers acting (or potentially acting) at group level for applying the full possible leverage. Visit suppliers on site for assessing vendor’s capabilities.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
* Analyze market trends and document structured market intelligence for proper strategic decisions and defining annual budgets with savings program.
Qualifications:
* You have a degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
* Proven experience (5+ years) in industrial purchasing or supply chain management.
* Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials is a plus.
* Fluent in English and French; additional languages are an asset.
Key Competencies:
* Strategic thinking and decision-making while also hands-on attitude
* Cooperative leadership style (internal/external customers) & Team development
* Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
* Problem-solving and adaptability
* Cost, quality, service mindset
* Supplier relationship management
Reasons to apply
You will have a direct and visible impact on the company’s performance and sustainability roadmap. This position offers responsibility and the opportunity to influence procurement strategy within an innovative organization combining industrial excellence and environmental commitment.