Head of Buying

The organisation

Founded in 1980, the Medical Export Group (MEG) is a leading wholesale distributor in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector, supporting development organizations and developing countries worldwide. As a key supplier to the United Nations and Western aid organizations such as Save the Children, as well as African governments and NGOs, MEG facilitates access to essential pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and equipment. The majority of its revenue comes from long-term framework agreements with UN organizations, ensuring a stable income stream. Its extensive product range includes medical kits, consumables, disposables, pharmaceuticals, and hospital equipment, sourced from over 400 suppliers mainly in India and China and distributed primarily to Africa through its Vuren warehouse. 

Currently, MEG employs approximately 90 FTEs, with about 8 FTEs dedicated to procurement activities, divided in four product categories and supported by assistants. 

The position

MEG is seeking an energetic and self-starter Head of Buying to transform and optimize its procurement team and operations. This position has become available after a few restructurings within the organisation paired with the existing team's challenges in stepping up to the required leadership role. The primary objective is to streamline operations, aiming to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Many of the current processes are manual and cumbersome, requiring substantial time and manpower. The new Head of Buying will play a crucial role in simplifying these processes, making them more streamlined while maintaining a broad perspective on long-term objectives and the overall supply chain framework. This role also requires someone who is not afraid to step into operations when needed, rolling up their sleeves to gain a hands-on understanding of challenges and identifying practical, effective solutions. The ability to balance strategic oversight with operational involvement is essential, ensuring a comprehensive approach to process improvement. Key responsibilities include providing strong leadership and guidance to the team, with an emphasis on coaching and mentoring to build confidence and capability. This involves fostering collaboration and using interpersonal and persuasive skills to support long-term employees in adapting to new processes and embracing structural changes, ensuring a smooth and positive transition. 

This position, reporting directly to the CEO, Josine Hoekstra-Voogd, manages a team of 8 FTEs divided into four product categories. Each category consists of buyers, supported by coordinators, involved in commercial and administrative activities.

Tasks & responsibilities

The main tasks and responsibilities for this position are: 

• Organise and optimise the procurement structure and processes to meet organizational goals while ensuring optimal qualitative and quantitative staffing within the department.
• Lead and manage the purchase team effectively by also creating and promoting a culture of proactiveness, ensuring optimal cooperation between internal departments and external partners.
• Manage supplier relationships, including selection, benchmarking, evaluation, quality, delivery times, and reliability.
• Monitor market trends and adjusts buying strategy accordingly to secure advantageous terms and conditions while building sustainable and long-lasting relationships.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and company policies to monitor strategic contract management.

Candidate profile

Knowledge & Experience 

• Possesses at least five years of experience in a leadership role or similar position within a wholesale business, familiarity with the pharmaceutical industry is considered a plus.
• Holds a completed higher education degree (HBO) in Commercial Economics, International Business, Supply Chain Management, or Logistics Management. 
• Completed NEVI training or obtained a NEVI diploma is considered a plus.
• Experience in inventory management and procurement operations combined with ability in using procurement software’s (ERPs) and other relevant tools. 
• Knowledge of international product sourcing and supplier selection criteria together with familiarity with import/export regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to analyse market trends and forecasts to inform purchasing decisions. 
• Strong expertise in financial analysis related to budgeting and cost management. 
• Excellent negotiation skills and strategic planning abilities. 
• Proficient in both Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

Interested?

You can apply for this position by using the link below.