WHO WE ARE

POLYVANTIS is one of the leading global suppliers in the market for high-quality acrylic and polycarbonate films and sheets. Formed by combining two iconic brands in the industry - PLEXIGLAS® for polymethylmethacrylate semi-finished products and LEXAN™ for polycarbonate sheets and films. With 1,500 employees and 15 production sites worldwide, we offer unmatched global capabilities, providing customers with innovative solutions in sheets and films. Our products are used in various applications including stadium roofing, facade glazing, LED lighting, signage, machine guards, motorcycle windshields, train seats, aircraft interiors, security & ID cards, bullet-resistant glazing and many more.

Junior Category Manager – Procurement Support

Fulltime Location Bergen op Zoom / Hybrid

Role purpose

As a Junior Category Manager, you combine operational procurement execution with the first steps into strategic category ownership. You are responsible for managing transactional procurement activities to ensure uninterrupted supply, while gradually taking ownership of a defined category at a country or European level.

You will drive supplier performance, support sourcing initiatives, and contribute to cost optimization while building the capabilities required to fully own a category strategy over time.

Key responsibilities

1. Category ownership (developing responsibility)

• Support and gradually take ownership of a defined category (country or European scope)
• Execute category strategies in alignment with senior category managers
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and cost drivers
• Identify and implement cost-saving and value-creation initiatives
• Support and increasingly lead supplier negotiations within defined scope

2. Purchase Order execution & expediting

• Create, release, and manage POs in ERP (SAP S4H)
• Track deliveries and actively expedite late orders
• Maintain accurate order confirmations and lead times

3. Supplier management & issue resolution

• Act as first point of contact for operational supplier topics
• Resolve invoice mismatches, delivery deviations, and quality issues
• Drive supplier performance improvements and escalate structural issues
• Build relationships with key suppliers within the assigned category

4. Sourcing & RFQ support

• Prepare and manage RFQs for assigned categories
• Analyze supplier quotations and build comparison models
• Support and gradually lead sourcing projects and supplier selections
• Contribute to contract negotiations and implementation

5. Data, reporting & analysis

• Maintain supplier and pricing data in ERP
• Deliver spend analysis and support total cost of ownership evaluations
• Track KPIs such as savings, OTIF, and supplier performance
• Provide insights to support category strategy and decision making

6. Procurement administration

• Support supplier onboarding and documentation
• Assist in contract compliance tracking
• Maintain item master data and purchasing parameters
•  

Success metrics - your deliverables

• Category savings and value creation
• Supplier performance (OTIF, quality, service)
• PO accuracy / first-time-right
• Resolution time of supplier issues
• Data quality and reporting reliability

Requirements

Must-have

• Bachelor degree (HBO Supply Chain, Business, Logistics or similar)
• 2–5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain
• Fluent in Dutch and English, German is a nice extra
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience with SAP S4H
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables; lookups)
• Affinity with data, analytics and process improvement
• Curiosity to explore new ways of working, e.g. AI tools

Nice-to-have

• Experience with category management or strategic sourcing
• Basic understanding of procurement concepts (TCO, incoterms, contracts)
• Exposure to international stakeholder management
• NEVI certification or equivalent

Competencies

• Analytical and structured
• Proactive and ownership-driven
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Able to balance operational execution with strategic thinking
• Resilient and able to manage multiple priorities

What we offer

• Competitive salary aligned with Junior Category Manager level
• 13th month and 8% holiday allowance
• International work environment
• Minimal 25 vacation days + 9 ATV days on fulltime basis
• 13th month payment
• Flexible working hours
• Pension provision largely paid by employer
• Travel expenses
• Comprehensive learning programs

INTERESTED?

For additional information or question regarding this postion please contact Hiring Manager Jonah Sauerwein

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.