Tactical buyer
Find tactical procurement vacancies in industry and engineering
Tactical procurement roles
What counts as a tactical procurement role differs from company to company. Sometimes the role focuses on the smaller suppliers and subcontractors (the C and D suppliers), sometimes it is more about supplier management, and sometimes it covers purchasing for production (as opposed to running tenders or purchasing for new product development).
A key feature of this role is that developing strategy usually plays no part.
Tactical procurement roles open right now
This list is live: these are the tactical procurement roles we are filling today, permanent and interim. Nothing that fits? With an open application you are on the list for the next one.
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How applying as a tactical buyer at xentys works
You are not applying into a black hole. This is what happens after you respond — and what you can expect from us.
You respond or send your CV
Respond to one of the vacancies above, or send an open application. Make sure your CV shows your relevant experience in the technical world.
You talk to a recruiter
One of our recruitment specialists will give you a call. They would like to talk with you to get a better picture of who you are and what you are looking for.
We introduce you
Is the assignment a good fit? Then we introduce you to the client — never without your yes first.
Interviews and terms
We support you through the conversations about terms and conditions, right up to a smooth start.
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Working as a tactical buyer
A good tactical buyer is an effective negotiator and a strong communicator, makes sure the best suppliers are selected and contracted and that the best deals are closed — and so contributes to the organisation’s profitability.
Tactical buyers have a thorough knowledge of the supply market for the products or services they are responsible for. They work closely with internal departments such as production, logistics and finance, and are always looking for ways to improve quality, minimise risk and increase efficiency.
About working as a tactical buyer
Where does a tactical buyer work?
A tactical buyer usually works in the purchasing or supply department of a company, non-profit organisation or government body. As a tactical buyer you usually work for a large organisation, since smaller companies often have one all-round buyer.
As a buyer you are responsible for planning and carrying out the purchasing process for goods and services, with a focus on cost savings. Tactical buyers can also be responsible for negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
What does a tactical buyer's working day look like?
A typical working day as a tactical buyer consists mainly of market research, talking to suppliers and negotiating prices. You might start the day by looking into important developments in the market, to identify the best suppliers and compare prices. You then contact suppliers to get quotes and negotiate on price. You also analyse earlier contracts and check how existing suppliers are performing.
You will also be involved in analysing data such as customer and supplier reviews, to make sure quality standards are met. Finally, you talk to internal departments about budget requirements, delivery dates and product specifications. As a tactical buyer you need excellent negotiation skills, the ability to think at a tactical level and strong communication to do the job well.
The skills needed to be an effective tactical buyer
As a tactical buyer you need a range of skills. Personal development matters if you want to keep growing your experience as a buyer. Below are some of the key skills that make a difference in procurement.
- Analytical skills;
- Effective communication;
- The ability to negotiate;
- Working well in a team;
- Strategic thinking;
- Problem-solving;
- Insight into purchasing processes and current developments;
- Being able to work in a fast-changing environment;
At xentys we are happy to talk about the skills you have now and the ones you would like to develop. Based on that, we look together for a client that fits. Get in touch and talk through the options.
Education and career
As a tactical buyer you want to get the best out of yourself and keep developing. But it can be hard to take the right career steps and find the training that improves your skills and knowledge.
xentys understands the challenges you face as a tactical buyer. That is why this section covers a few key points that can help you build a successful procurement career. Whether it is following a specific course, developing your skills or finding the right career opportunities, xentys is there to guide you in your procurement career.
Education requirements for tactical buyers
For a career as a tactical buyer, many organisations ask for a degree related to procurement — for example a university or higher professional education degree in a relevant field such as business administration, economics or purchasing and supply chain management. A year of experience in tactical procurement or a related role is often required as well.
It is important to keep up with trends and developments in the profession. Training programmes and courses are available to refresh your knowledge and skills, and certifications such as CPSM can further improve your job prospects. Personal skills such as analytical ability, communication, negotiation and teamwork are crucial too. With the right education and skills, you can be successful as a tactical buyer.
Do you have questions about the options open to you? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are happy to help you find the job that suits you best.
Career and progression opportunities
As a tactical buyer there are plenty of career and progression opportunities within the purchasing and supply chain departments of companies. As you gain experience as a tactical buyer, you can move up to senior procurement roles such as Category Manager, Contract Manager or Procurement Manager. These roles call for a more strategic approach to procurement, in which you are responsible for developing procurement strategies and leading procurement projects at a high level.
Other career options include working for international organisations, or working as a consultant who advises companies on their procurement strategies. By developing your skills and knowledge, building a broad network and always looking to improve, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a tactical buyer. Invest in yourself and make use of the many career and progression opportunities in the procurement and supply chain sector.
Opportunities to learn more
As a tactical buyer there are many ways to broaden your knowledge and skills. By constantly learning new things and keeping up with the latest developments in the field, you keep adding value to your organisation.
- Training and education in tactical procurement is offered by various institutes, with courses from beginner to advanced level. These courses are useful for developing new skills or consolidating what you already know.
- Joining a procurement or trade association helps you stay in touch with other buyers. You can also learn more about the sector by attending events and seminars.
- By specialising in particular parts of the purchasing process, such as contract negotiation or supplier management, you can add value and stand out from other buyers.
So as a tactical buyer you have many ways to keep developing your knowledge and skills. That way you will add real value to an organisation and strengthen its capabilities. By making use of some of these opportunities, you will stand out as a successful buyer. We are always looking for tactical buyers with an active mindset, and thanks to our expertise we can offer new challenges and opportunities. Feel free to get in touch with any questions or for more information.
Permanent or temporary contract
At xentys you will find professional and management roles in procurement in industry, construction and offshore. Discover which role suits you.
Prefer to work on an interim or freelance basis? View interim and freelance →
Assignments of three to twelve months, often on an interim or freelance basis.
Management roles: team, strategy and supplier portfolio.
Long term: spend analysis, category plans and savings.
Tactical Buyer
Supplier selection, contracts and category management.
Buying engineering: engineering, machine building and projects.
Buyer
Operational purchasing: orders, lead times and day-to-day coordination.
Send an open application
We are always looking for experienced procurement professionals. Maybe not the vacancy that suits you today, but tomorrow it might be.
Rather talk it through first? Call +31 70 240 04 14.