Operational Buyer

Role description

In a high-tech manufacturing environment, having the right material available at the right moment is essential. A missing component, delayed delivery or unreliable supplier can directly impact production.

As an Operational Buyer , you will take responsibility for the operational purchasing process and the availability of materials and components. Suppliers and commercial agreements are already in place; your focus is on making sure purchase orders are executed correctly, deliveries arrive as promised and potential supply issues are addressed before they impact the factory.

This is a hands‑on role where you will be in direct contact with suppliers and work closely with planning, manufacturing and logistics. You will monitor the supply situation, manage changing priorities and take ownership when deliveries or material availability are at risk.

You will join an innovative high-tech manufacturing organization in the Eindhoven region. The company develops and manufactures complex technological solutions that are used across different international markets.

Engineering, development, manufacturing and supply chain work closely together. This creates an environment where products move from early development through to industrialized production under one roof.

As an Operational Buyer, you will play an important role in keeping this process running. By managing suppliers, purchase orders and material availability, you will have a direct impact on the continuity and performance of the factory.

What you will be doing

Your work will include:

• Managing and following up on purchase orders for technical materials and components.
• Monitoring delivery performance and acting when suppliers are at risk of missing agreed lead times.
• Maintaining direct contact with suppliers regarding order status, delays and delivery commitments.
• Coordinating material availability with planning and manufacturing teams.
• Taking ownership of shortages, supply disruptions and other operational issues until they are resolved.
• Escalating critical supply issues and coordinating actions with the right internal and external stakeholders.
• Making operational purchasing decisions based on lead times, delivery requirements and costs.
• Identifying recurring supply issues and contributing to structural improvements.
• Maintaining accurate purchasing and material data in SAP or another ERP system.

What we are looking for

You could currently be working as an Operational Buyer, Buyer, Purchasing Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Material Planner or Supply Chain Coordinator .

What matters most is that you understand the operational side of purchasing and know how to keep materials flowing within a production environment.

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least 3 years of experience in operational purchasing, procurement, supply chain or material planning.
• Experience managing purchase orders and working directly with suppliers.
• Experience within a technical, manufacturing or industrial environment .
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and remain structured when circumstances change.
• A proactive mindset and a strong sense of ownership.
• The confidence to challenge suppliers and escalate issues when necessary.
• Experience with SAP or another ERP system .
• Good communication skills and a strong command of English .