Description
Make a +Difference at Kraton!
At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world. We are looking to hire a key member of our Procurement team at our Almere location.
We are looking for a strategic and collaborative Logistics Procurement Professional who can drive best-in-class procurement strategies for all EU logistics activities, from multimodal transport to warehousing. In this role, you will leverage your industry network, negotiation skills, and market insights to secure optimal value, build strong supplier partnerships, and support key internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Operations, Sales, Finance, and Legal. Your ability to translate business needs into effective sourcing strategies, manage complex vendor relationships, and contribute to continuous improvement will be essential in strengthening Kraton's competitive position in the region.
Key Responsibilities- Ensure full compliance with Kraton's Purchasing Policies and Procedures, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and governance.
- Develop and implement robust procurement strategies for EU Logistics—covering all transport modes and storage—to enhance Kraton's competitive position.
- Collaborate effectively with Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, Sales, and Operations, serving as a member or leader of cross-functional teams to define and execute the logistics spending framework.
- Deliver strong 'value for money' outcomes through well-informed negotiations based on thorough supplier, market, and industry analysis.
- Foster positive and effective relationships across the organization, demonstrating strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership approach.
- Oversee the full scope of EU Logistics Procurement (all transport modes and storage) while providing ad-hoc logistics procurement support to the ASPAC region.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in Logistics Procurement within a B2B environment; experience in the chemical industry is strongly preferred.
- A well-established professional network within the logistics sector.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively and develop high-level procurement strategies that deliver optimal cost and value outcomes.
- Strong capability in building and maintaining strategic supplier relationships, as well as fostering productive partnerships with internal stakeholders to ensure fit-for-purpose service delivery.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
- Ability to ensure alignment of EU Logistics Procurement strategies with Kraton's corporate and functional strategies across Supply Chain, Global Procurement, and Sales.
- Willingness and capability to provide ad-hoc logistics procurement support to the ASPAC region.
- Demonstrated expertise in vendor sourcing, bid management, negotiation, contract award recommendations, and contract administration.
- Experience evaluating supplier performance and resolving disputes, price changes, or scope variations in collaboration with Planning, Supply Chain, and Sales teams.
- Strong relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal customers, maintaining a professional and solutions-oriented approach.
- Ability to provide relevant market insights through supplier relationships, industry platforms, and market intelligence sources.
- A continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of identifying and driving cost reduction and process optimization initiatives.
- Solid background in Logistics and Procurement, supported by strong project management capabilities.
- Working knowledge of SAP (both operational and procedural).
- Excellent communication skills across multiple levels and functions.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a talented and diverse team of professionals in the field.
- Continuous learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
- A supportive work environment that values teamwork and collaboration.
- Bachelor/MBA degree preferred (Supply Chain Management/Operations Management & Logistics).
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.
Kraton's internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.
Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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