As a Category Buyer for DEME Group, you will work on a tactical level in procurement of services and goods within Marine & Auxiliary equipment. You will take the lead in managing a portfolio of categories, contracts, sourcings and suppliers, build up extensive market
knowledge and work together with internal stakeholders to strive for best fit solutions. You will also support the Category Manager in defining and
implementing the category sourcing strategy.
Your responsibilities
* Develop and implement a category strategy for auxiliary‑related goods and services with focus on cost efficiency, availability, quality, and risk control;
* Identify optimization and standardization opportunities across the auxiliary supply chain;
* Build, develop, and manage a network of technically capable and financially solid suppliers;
* Lead high‑level negotiations and establish contracts, framework agreements, SLAs, and price lists;
* Ensure full compliance with internal procedures and legal requirements;
* Participate in cross‑functional teams focused on sourcing initiatives, standardization, and continuous improvement;
* Conduct root cause analyses on recurring supply issues and drive structural corrective actions;
* Support TCO optimization, inventory considerations, and lifecycle‑focused purchasing within auxiliary categories.
* Follow-up on supplier performance and defined supplier improvement actions
* Ensure standards for price competitiveness, product quality, delivery performance, safety and sustainability are met by all suppliers and corrective actions are initiated when needed;
* Report to the Category Manager.
Your profile
* Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Applied Economics, Business Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent through experience;
* Several years of relevant procurement or supply chain experience, preferably in a maritime, technical, or industrial environment;
* Strong affinity with technical components, auxiliary equipment, and industrial systems;
* Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills;
* Strong analytical mindset with a result‑driven approach and TCO understanding;
* Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch and/or other languages is an asset;
* Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint); knowledge of ERP or analytics tools is an advantage;
* Team player with a proactive attitude, ownership, integrity, and entrepreneurial mindset;
* Motivated to work in a dynamic, international, and hands‑on project environment.
Our offer
* A challenging role with tangible impact in a critical supporting category of DEME;
* Continuous development opportunities through DEME Academy and potential career growth within procurement & operations;
* A technical and innovative workplace focused on optimization and collaboration;
* A people‑oriented culture with attention to wellbeing and work‑life balance;
* A competitive salary package.