Senior Buyer Europe
Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.
We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
AAK LOCATION
This position is based on site in Zaandijk, the Netherlands
About the role
As a Senior Buyer within our indirect spend categories, you will work closely with your line manager and key stakeholders to lead sourcing activities across multiple manufacturing sites within your area of responsibility. You will identify and drive sourcing initiatives, ensuring effective execution of projects aimed at optimizing total cost of ownership. This includes initiatives such as simplification, harmonization, standardization, volume bundling, supplier consolidation, smarter procurement practices, and digitalization. In this role, you act as the driving force behind value creation, turning opportunities into measurable business impact. You will ensure strong cross-functional alignment, providing transparency and clarity so that all stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and aligned. Your ultimate objective is to establish globally harmonized and standardized indirect categories that deliver tangible value to the business through reduced costs, improved quality, and enhanced service.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement sourcing activities within your area of responsibility, aligned with defined category strategies-
Conduct European spend analyses and ongoing risk assessments in collaboration with cross-functional teams
-
Develop and manage the supplier base, ensuring delivery of products and services that meet quality standards and business performance requirements
-
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships; lead negotiations to secure optimal pricing, terms, and conditions
-
Identify and drive continuous improvement and cost optimization opportunities across the supplier portfolio
-
Collaborate closely with key stakeholders across manufacturing sites, business units, and regions to ensure alignment and effective execution
-
Monitor supplier performance and define corrective actions to ensure continuous improvement and value delivery
-
Lead or participate in RFP processes, including bid evaluation and cost and risk analysis, ensuring transparency and alignment with internal stakeholders
-
Contribute to cross-functional projects and initiatives to achieve strategic and category objectives
-
Drive supplier relationship management activities for key suppliers within your scope
-
Ensure effective implementation and compliance with negotiated agreements within your area of responsibility
About you
You have at least 5 years of experience in a similar procurement role; experience within the food industry is an advantage but not required-
Fluency in both English and Dutch, with the ability to read, interpret, and translate legal and contractual documents accurately.
-
You bring a strong procurement background and are comfortable managing multiple sourcing projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment
-
You have solid analytical skills, including advanced Excel capabilities and experience with relevant analytical tools, and can translate data into actionable insights
-
You possess a clear understanding of procurement processes and methodologies, with the ability to gather, structure, and deliver data to support effective decision-making
-
You are experienced in supplier selection and evaluation, and can apply and continuously improve tools, standards, and processes for assessing and certifying suppliers and partners
-
You are a confident negotiator, able to secure optimal commercial outcomes while maintaining strong supplier relationships
-
You bring strong experience in international procurement, supported by effective communication and collaboration skills across cultures and functions
-
You are capable of guiding and supporting stakeholders in contract management and ensuring compliance with agreed terms
-
You have a proven ability to drive the development, implementation, and follow-up of procurement initiatives, including training and stakeholder adoption
-
You actively monitor market trends, supplier developments, and industry insights, translating these into strategic opportunities
-
You contribute to the development and implementation of regional and European category strategies within your area of responsibility
-
You continuously expand your understanding of suppliers, market structures, commodity forecasts, competitive dynamics, and demand management levers
-
Available to work on site 4 days per week
In return AAK offers
Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.-
In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
-
AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
-
You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
-
Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.
Contact and information
For further information about the position, please contact Emily Lumb, Talent Acquisition Specialist by email: [email protected]
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
#LI-Onsite
