Purchase & Product Director Benelux & DACH

Our client is a leading European B2B multichannel distribution company, recognized for combining operational excellence, customer proximity and large-scale digital transformation. As part of its continued strategic growth across Northern Europe, the company is looking to recruit a Purchase & Product Director to lead the Benelux and DACH perimeter.

This is a highly visible leadership position within an international and fast-paced environment, offering significant impact on business performance, product strategy and executive decision-making.

What you will do

Based in Tongeren and sitting on the Benelux Executive Committee, you will lead both Purchasing and Product/Category Management activities across the Benelux and DACH regions.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Defining and deploying the purchasing and category strategy in alignment with Group objectives
• Managing an annual purchasing budget of approximately €70M
• Leading, developing and structuring an 18-person team
• Optimising purchasing conditions, pricing competitiveness and profitability
• Building efficient and sustainable sourcing strategies
• Driving category strategies across 15 to 17 product families
• Ensuring customer-centric product positioning aligned with market trends
• Improving data quality, processes and performance steering tools
• Collaborating closely with Sales, Marketing, Logistics and Group teams
• Strengthening the strategic visibility and contribution of Purchasing internally

What we are looking for

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Purchasing, Procurement, Category Management or Product Management
• Strong background within B2B environments such as distribution, industry, packaging or professional equipment
• Proven experience managing significant purchasing budgets and delivering measurable margin improvements
• Experience working within international or matrix organisations
• Strong expertise in sourcing, supplier negotiations and complex pricing structures
• Advanced category management capabilities including pricing, assortment management, product lifecycle and innovation
• Pragmatic and hands-on leadership style
• Strong influencing skills within commercially driven environments
• Strong analytical mindset with solid experience using ERP systems and reporting tools
• Resilient, structured and able to navigate complex stakeholder environments

Languages:

• Fluent Dutch and English are mandatory
• French is considered a strong asset

Why this opportunity is attractive

• A strategic leadership role with strong executive exposure
• A stable and growing international company
• A stimulating environment combining business, purchasing and transformation challenges
• Direct impact on competitiveness and regional performance
• A highly transversal role with strong influence capacity
• Significant people management and organisational challenges
• Strong autonomy to shape and improve ways of working

Key information

• Location: Tongeren, Belgium
• Contract: Permanent contract
• Remote work: strong on-site presence expected
• Team management: 18 people
• Purchasing budget: approximately €70M
• Scope: Benelux & DACH

If you are looking for a strategic and visible leadership role within an ambitious European environment, we would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you.