Senior Operational Buyer

Overview

Frencken Group collaborates with high‑tech customers and delivers sophisticated mechatronics subsystems into their end products. The company operates in Eindhoven, Netherlands and focuses on precision machining and cleanroom assembly.

The Senior Operational Buyer plays a key role in ensuring the continuity and performance of the end‑to‑end supply chain. The position involves hands‑on operational purchasing, leadership, coordination, and continuous improvement.

• Lead and support the operational buying team during machining, acting as a coach and first point of contact for complex supply issues and escalations.
• Ensure material availability across all production stages, proactively identify risks, and resolve supply disruptions before they impact operations.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance on delivery reliability, quality, and responsiveness.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (production, planning, engineering, quality, and cleanroom assembly) to align supply with demand in a highly controlled manufacturing environment.
• Own and optimize the purchasing process, ensuring compliance with procurement procedures while identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Manage ERP data integrity, including supplier master data, pricing, lead times, and inventory parameters.
• Oversee return, repair, and non‑conformance flows, minimizing operational impact and ensuring timely resolution with suppliers.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives, including process standardization, supplier‑performance management, and cost optimisation.
• Support strategic sourcing activities, providing operational insights and contributing to supplier selection and development.

• Holds a degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Has several years of experience in operational purchasing, preferably within a high‑tech, precision machining or assembly environment.
• Demonstrates leadership capabilities, with experience coaching colleagues or coordinating a team.
• Has solid experience with ERP systems and a strong understanding of data‑driven supply‑chain processes.
• Understands the complexities of end‑to‑end supply chains, ideally within vertically integrated organisations.
• Is highly accurate, proactive, and solution‑oriented, with the ability to manage priorities under pressure.
• Possesses strong stakeholder‑management and communication skills, both internally and with suppliers.
• Is continuously looking for ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and enhance supplier performance.

At Frencken, employees enjoy a collaborative and supportive environment where contributions are valued. The position offers a competitive salary, generous vacation time, performance bonuses, and opportunities for growth and development.