European Lead Buyer

This European Lead Buyer role is a permanent, full-time opportunity based in York, supporting procurement activity across multiple European entities. The role will focus on strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement governance and cost optimisation across markets including the UK, Netherlands, Nordics and Poland. The European Lead Buyer will play a key role in developing a more coordinated, value-led procurement function across Europe.

Working closely with the Group Procurement Director, senior leaders and local business teams, this role will help drive stronger supplier performance, improved procurement processes and measurable commercial value. This position is suited to someone with strong procurement experience across indirect categories, multi-country sourcing, stakeholder engagement and supplier performance management. French language skills would be a strong advantage due to close alignment with the wider group procurement function, although this is not essential.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead procurement strategy and delivery across a defined European region.

* Translate group procurement strategy into practical procurement plans across local European entities.

* Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business needs, market conditions and commercial objectives.

* Strengthen procurement governance, policies and compliance across multiple countries.

* Support the harmonisation of procurement processes, tools and supplier frameworks. Manage strategic sourcing activity across indirect procurement categories.

* Lead procurement across categories including fleet, mobility, technical equipment, operational equipment, IT, telecoms and general overheads.

* Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, standardise processes and deliver measurable commercial value. Lead end-to-end sourcing activity including supplier engagement, RFI, RFP, selection, negotiation and contracting.

* Build and manage a high-performing supplier base focused on service, innovation, sustainability and cost effectiveness.

* Develop long-term supplier partnerships that support business performance and operational efficiency. Drive supplier performance through KPIs, regular reviews and continuous improvement plans.

* Support procurement activity across the UK, Netherlands, Nordics and Poland.

* Act as a trusted procurement partner to local leadership teams and internal stakeholders.

* Influence and coach local procurement contacts and business leaders across different European markets.

* Build strong relationships across finance, operations, IT, legal and wider commercial teams.

* Lead complex supplier negotiations across multi-country agreements and contract renewals.

* Ensure contract frameworks are robust, compliant and aligned with local regulations. Reduce commercial and operational risk while improving value, quality and supplier service.

* Track procurement KPIs including cost savings, compliance, supplier performance and value delivery. Support margin improvement through effective procurement activity and commercial control.

* Embed ESG, CSR and responsible sourcing principles into procurement decisions. Identify sustainable sourcing opportunities including low-carbon and circular economy solutions. Monitor supplier markets, pricing trends and innovation across Europe.

Preferred Ideal Experience & Skills Required

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

* Demonstrate previous experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management.

* Bring strong experience working across multi-country European procurement environments.

* Show a proven ability to deliver cost savings, supplier improvement and commercial value.

* Manage indirect procurement categories including fleet, IT, telecoms, operational equipment or general overheads.

* Lead sourcing processes including RFI, RFP, supplier selection, negotiation and contract management.

* Operate confidently at both strategic and hands-on operational levels.

* Influence senior leaders, local teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

* Build effective relationships across different cultures, markets and business structures.

* Improve procurement processes, governance and supplier frameworks.

* Use procurement data, reporting tools and performance metrics to support decision making.

* Communicate clearly and professionally in fluent English & ideally bring French language skills where possible, although this is not essential.

What's on Offer

This European Lead Buyer role offers the opportunity to join a growing international organisation at an important stage of procurement transformation. You will have the autonomy to shape procurement activity across multiple European markets while working closely with senior leadership and group procurement teams. The role offers strong visibility, international scope and the chance to make a measurable impact on supplier performance, cost control, governance and long-term value creation.

It is a rare opportunity for a procurement…