We are looking for a: CATEGORY MANAGER RAW MATERIALS
at ERTVELDE
Work in your element
At Oleon, we bring you natural chemistry. Ambitious, with both feet on the ground. That's who we are and that's how we will continue to grow. Our specialty lies in converting natural fats and oils into a wide range of oleochemical products. We offer them in a large variety of markets such as: cosmetics, nutrition, crop protection, industrial ingredients, lubricants, oilfield, coatings, detergents, and many more.
Oleon has over 1,000 employees worldwide in 10 different countries. Enthusiastic people who are completely in their element here at Oleon are more than welcome to join our team.
About this job
As a category manager raw materials, you play a keyrole in strategic procurement for Europe & UK, with a primary focus on specialty oils & natural emulsifiers. In this role, you report directly to the purchasing manager.
1. You continuously analyze market trends, assess purchasing positions, and provide data-driven recommendations to optimize sourcing strategies.
2. You collaborate with the purchasing manager to refine procurement strategies and ensure smooth execution of key actions.
3. You identify and engage with high-potential suppliers, negotiating and securing contracts that drive value.
4. You oversee contract implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.
5. You build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and strategic partners, optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
6. You keep internal stakeholders informed about market developments and key trends affecting procurement decisions.
7. You play an active role in R&D projects, collaborating on the development of new products and processes by identifying and sourcing the most suitable raw materials.
Who are we looking for?
You'll succeed if:
8. You have a strong interest in global economics and politics, using these insights to inform you of your role.
9. Analytical and strategic, you excel at processing data, setting priorities, and adapting. A skilled communicator and relationship builder, you connect stakeholders across the business.
10. With 3 to 5 years of experience in purchasing or sales (preferably in raw materials), you are flexible, results-driven, and thrive in dynamic environments. You are eager to learn, entrepreneurial, and not afraid to take the initiative or make calls when necessary. You have the drive to bring structure where needed, while embracing variety and challenges.
11. You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent experience) and are fluent in English, with knowledge of Dutch, French, or German being a plus.
12. This role is perfect for entrepreneurial professionals who value autonomy and want to shape new strategies. The company offers flexibility to optimize procurement processes and set your priorities. With significant international growth opportunities, you’ll gain expertise in global supply chain operations and develop strategic procurement skills on a global scale.
Next to your skills, it is your drive and motivation that will make all the difference!
What's in it for you?
Your benefits:
Working at Oleon is working in a growing and entrepreneurial company that offers an interesting salary in combination with substantial additional benefits. Opportunities to grow & to develop yourself are imbedded in our organization and are available based on your proven personal performance & ambition.
Oleon is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces all forms of diversity. We ensure equal opportunities in our recruitment and integration processes and ensure that you can be yourself in our professional environment.
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Oleon is a business unit of Avril, the industrial and financial leader in the French vegetable oil and protein sector.
Avril is present in consumer food, animal nutrition and expertise, renewable energy and chemistry, with a recorded revenue of 7,7 billion euro across 18 countries in 2024. The Group focuses its growth on a unique value-sharing model.
Avril and its 8,400 employees, driven by its purpose, "Serving the Earth", are committed to addressing climate change and population growth challenges.
Joining Avril means choosing to work in a company that harmoniously brings together performance and responsibility, innovation and humbleness, the group and individuals. Avril: there is another way.