WHO WE ARE
POLYVANTIS is one of the leading global suppliers in the market for high-quality acrylic and polycarbonate films and sheets. Formed by combining two iconic brands in the industry - PLEXIGLAS® for polymethylmethacrylate semi-finished products and LEXAN™ for polycarbonate sheets and films. With 1,500 employees and 15 production sites worldwide, we offer unmatched global capabilities, providing customers with innovative solutions in sheets and films. Our products are used in various applications including stadium roofing, facade glazing, LED lighting, signage, machine guards, motorcycle windshields, train seats, aircraft interiors, security & ID cards, bullet-resistant glazing and many more.
Junior Category Manager – Procurement Support
Fulltime Location Bergen op Zoom / Hybrid
Role purpose
As a Junior Category Manager, you combine operational procurement execution with the first steps into strategic category ownership. You are responsible for managing transactional procurement activities to ensure uninterrupted supply, while gradually taking ownership of a defined category at a country or European level.
You will drive supplier performance, support sourcing initiatives, and contribute to cost optimization while building the capabilities required to fully own a category strategy over time.
Key responsibilities
1. Category ownership (developing responsibility)
Support and gradually take ownership of a defined category (country or European scope)
Execute category strategies in alignment with senior category managers
Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and cost drivers
Identify and implement cost-saving and value-creation initiatives
Support and increasingly lead supplier negotiations within defined scope
2. Purchase Order execution & expediting
Create, release, and manage POs in ERP (SAP S4H)
Track deliveries and actively expedite late orders
Maintain accurate order confirmations and lead times
3. Supplier management & issue resolution
Act as first point of contact for operational supplier topics
Resolve invoice mismatches, delivery deviations, and quality issues
Drive supplier performance improvements and escalate structural issues
Build relationships with key suppliers within the assigned category
4. Sourcing & RFQ support
Prepare and manage RFQs for assigned categories
Analyze supplier quotations and build comparison models
Support and gradually lead sourcing projects and supplier selections
Contribute to contract negotiations and implementation
5. Data, reporting & analysis
Maintain supplier and pricing data in ERP
Deliver spend analysis and support total cost of ownership evaluations
Track KPIs such as savings, OTIF, and supplier performance
Provide insights to support category strategy and decision making
6. Procurement administration
Support supplier onboarding and documentation
Assist in contract compliance tracking
Maintain item master data and purchasing parameters
Success metrics - your deliverables
Category savings and value creation
Supplier performance (OTIF, quality, service)
PO accuracy / first-time-right
Resolution time of supplier issues
Data quality and reporting reliability
Requirements
Must-have
Bachelor degree (HBO Supply Chain, Business, Logistics or similar)
2–5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain
Fluent in Dutch and English, German is a nice extra
Experience in manufacturing or industrial environment
Experience with SAP S4H
Strong Excel skills (pivot tables; lookups)
Affinity with data, analytics and process improvement
Curiosity to explore new ways of working, e.g. AI tools
Nice-to-have
Experience with category management or strategic sourcing
Basic understanding of procurement concepts (TCO, incoterms, contracts)
Exposure to international stakeholder management
NEVI certification or equivalent
Competencies
Analytical and structured
Proactive and ownership-driven
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Able to balance operational execution with strategic thinking
Resilient and able to manage multiple priorities
What we offer
Competitive salary aligned with Junior Category Manager level
13th month and 8% holiday allowance
International work environment
Minimal 25 vacation days + 9 ATV days on fulltime basis
13th month payment
Flexible working hours
Pension provision largely paid by employer
Travel expenses
Comprehensive learning programs
INTERESTED?
For additional information or question regarding this postion please contact Hiring Manager Jonah Sauerwein
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
