Purchasing Director

Operating in a fast-paced and competitive retail landscape, this leading supermarket chain relies on a strong commercial strategy to stay ahead. The Purchasing Director drives the commercial strategy across various FMCG categories, making decisions on pricing, assortment, and innovation that directly influence the company’s offering and overall performance in the Dutch market.

About the company

What started decades ago as a small wholesale business in fresh produce has grown into one of Europe’s most successful retail concepts. The company entered the Dutch market with only a few stores and has steadily expanded, now operating numerous locations supported by several distribution centers. The formula remains clear and powerful: high-quality products at affordable prices, with a core range of more than two thousand daily essentials – available both in-store and online – complemented by weekly specials and a wide variety of non-food items.

As part of a large international retail group, the company combines global reach with highly efficient supply chains and tightly run store operations. This allows it to keep prices competitive without compromising on quality. Sustainability is a central focus, from circular store designs to measurable goals for climate impact, biodiversity, and food waste.

This company invests in its people, fostering a down-to-earth, collaborative, and performance-driven culture rooted in trust, respect, and inclusion. Employees are encouraged and empowered to take ownership of their development, combining on-the-job learning with structured development programs and opportunities to grow across retail, leadership, and innovation.

Vacancy: Purchasing Director

The Purchasing Director takes charge of all procurement activities for various FMCG categories, such as fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and poultry, frozen products, and dairy. The role covers both the commercial and operational side of purchasing, including responsibility for private label development and packaging, covering the majority of the product range. Working closely alongside the other Purchasing Director, they manage a multi-billion euro purchasing volume, translating strategic objectives into clear annual plans, measurable targets, and sharp KPIs for each product group.

Commercial planning starts with thorough market and trend analyses. These insights guide assortment decisions and innovation priorities, helping to meet customer needs and strengthen both margin and traffic. New products are developed and tested in the retailer’s in-house kitchens and introduced before being launched through planned sourcing strategies. Close cooperation with the international group, especially on joint procurement initiatives, plays a vital role in bringing these plans to life.

Strong leadership is fundamental to this position. The Purchasing Director directly leads a team of three and holds indirect responsibility for twenty buyers and category managers. Operating at the heart of the business, this position requires a confident leader who provides clear direction, fosters trust, and steers the team through change. Effective people management, combining clarity with encouragement, is key to empowering others and ensuring smooth progress.

Maintaining strong supplier relationships forms another important dimension of the role. Negotiations and decision-making are strategic and volume-driven, demanding solid judgment and strong negotiation skills. Reporting directly to the Dutch Executive Board, the role offers significant autonomy to operate independently while making a substantial impact.

This role suits an experienced purchasing professional with a strong track record in the FMCG sector. The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of category dynamics with strategic insight, decisiveness, and a practical, hands-on approach. Results matter, but so does the team: this Purchasing Director combines ownership and focus with the coaching leadership needed to help others thrive.

Interested?

This company is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.
To express your interest, please contact Emma de Wit at emma.dewit@topofminds.com.