The position

In close cooperation with key stakeholders (our hiring managers, our centralized hiring desk (‘FlexOord’), our training desk (‘Academy Support’) and our supplier base) within Van Oord, the Category Manager is responsible to strategically optimize sourcing requirements, related sourcing models and the right mix of suppliers resulting in value for money pricing, quality and mitigation of risks with the aim of achieving competitive advantage and distinctive value. The main categories this position focuses globally on are:

• Hiring of all temporary labour;
• Managing recruitment agencies;
• Assisting the Learning & Development department on procurement activities.

In addition, our centralized hiring desk (Flexoord) uses a VMS system that enables us to improve the entire hiring process. The optimization of this process will require attention, expertise and support from the Category Manager. You are responsible for both categories as mentioned above, besides this responsibility you will be the inspirational team lead for the team. This team consists of 3 colleagues; a contract manager, category manager engineering & consultancy and category manager/project manager temporary labour – learning & development. And you will work very closely with the centralized operational teams, Flexoord for temporary labour and Academy Support for safety training, both allocated within HR.

Your responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and verify (complex) sourcing information about both categories, and assess market information, supplier profiles and new relevant opportunities;
• Evaluate, in close cooperation with various stakeholders/business units, existing sourcing needs and develop new distinctive sourcing strategies supported by solid business cases;
• Present and implement the proposed sourcing strategies and realize quick win improvement initiatives;
• Negotiate and evaluate contracts, supported by the contract manager and our legal department, to secure terms and conditions that are in the best interest of Van Oord and are outstanding in the market;
• Develop, maintain and enhance, together with your colleagues, relationships with key (global) suppliers and ensure an excellent service level;
• Ensure a competitive advantage by identifying and developing supplier, sourcing and tooling innovations and product improvements;
• Manage the team of 3 colleagues and create preconditions for the team to function optimally.

Job requirements

In this position you are category manager and team lead and have at least 5 years’ experience in managing a small team of professionals. As a Procurement Professional you have demonstrated experience in developing and executing complex sourcing strategies. You seek opportunities, think out of the box and apply creativity in this category.

Furthermore, you bring along:

• BSc or MSc degree in HRM or Business Administration;
• More than 10 years of work experience in the hiring of temporary labour;
• Relevant knowledge of (Dutch) labor law, e.g. working with ZZP’ers (independent contractors), mitigating risk on WKA/inlenersaansprakelijkheid;
• Experience working with of one or more VMS-tools;
• Knowledge of the maritime industry, especially in an international (project) environment and preferably in the fields of crewing, secondment recruitment and payroll solutions;
• Strong analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills;
• Self-starter, results driven, hands-on and a can do mentality;
• Experience in coaching, motivating and managing team members/peers;
• Ability to adapt to the diversity of internal clients and suppliers;
• Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.

We offer

We offer you a position in which you will make a significant contribution to our mission of 'building a better world for future generations'. In addition, we offer you:

• A salary in line with your responsibilities and experience;
• An attractive travel allowance (€0.31 per km)- and home working allowance (€2.15- per day);
• Additional allowances for working on board/on project sites abroad;
• 32 holidays (of which a maximum of 7 are collective);
• Variable bonus, depending on company results, among other things;
• An attractive pension scheme;
• Possibility of collective health insurance (Van Oord pays for your supplementary package);
• Flexible home working arrangement; on a full-time basis, you can work from home for 2 days.
• Extensive development opportunities, including a very comprehensive online academy via Goodhabitz;
• Communities to join, such as: Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women and the Van Oord staff association;
• Various events and sports activities, including winter sports, sailing weekend, cycling and motorcycling.

About Van Oord

Van Oord is a Dutch family-owned company with more than 150 years of experience as an international marine contractor. The focus is on dredging and marine construction, offshore wind, offshore infrastructure and infrastructure in the Netherlands. Its head office is in Rotterdam. Van Oord employs 4,700 staff, who worked on 187 projects in 35 countries in 2021. The fleet consists of about 70 vessels and a large amount of special-purpose and auxiliary equipment. Van Oord delivers marine ingenuity by using smart, innovative and sustainable solutions to create a better world for future generations.

Do you want to be a part of Van Oord?

Are you interested? Apply via the application form below. Do you have any questions? Please contact Xander de Cock.

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