Interim buyer
Interim procurement assignments in engineering
Interim buyers wanted in industry, offshore and high tech
Since 2010, xentys has placed procurement professionals and managers in permanent procurement roles and interim assignments. Our clients are technical companies in industry, construction and offshore, in the Netherlands and abroad. We select on hands-on experience, not just on your CV, so the interim procurement vacancies we put in front of you genuinely match what you can do.
Interim assignments open right now
This list is live: these are the interim assignments 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 an interim 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 get in touch with you. 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 an interim buyer
As an interim buyer you join an organisation for a set period, at a moment when it needs extra procurement capacity. Sometimes as a temporary buyer for an open position, sometimes for a project with a clear goal and an end date. You work independently from the first week and are judged on results.
At xentys these are assignments in technical environments, from machine building to offshore. Want to know first how interim procurement works in practice, with contract types and rates? Read interim procurement explained. Rather see straight away what is open? View all interim projects.
Frequently asked questions about working as an interim buyer
What does an interim buyer do?
An interim buyer temporarily takes over procurement work at an organisation: from ordering and managing suppliers to negotiating and closing contracts. The assignment has a fixed term and usually a concrete goal, such as bridging a vacancy, supporting a project or achieving a saving.
What kinds of interim procurement assignments are there?
No two assignments are the same, but the reason usually falls into one of these six categories: bridging a vacancy, a project or new product introduction (often as an interim technical buyer, close to engineering), a peak in production or orders, a savings programme, professionalising procurement, or temporary cover. That way you know in advance what will be asked of you.
What is an interim buyer or interim purchaser?
International clients often ask for an interim buyer or interim purchaser. In substance that is the same role, usually with English as the working language. A role as interim procurement coordinator also falls under this: more operational, in charge of orders and lead times.
How do you find interim procurement assignments?
Through your network, through LinkedIn or through a specialist agency such as xentys. We always have interim assignments at technical companies. Send your CV or an open application, and we will contact you as soon as there is an assignment that suits you.
What does an interim buyer earn?
At xentys, rates for interim procurement assignments start at around €120 per hour. The final rate depends on your experience, the complexity of the assignment and the sector. We agree the rate in advance for every assignment, so you know where you stand.
Do you have to be a freelancer to work as an interim?
No. Many interim buyers work as freelancers, but for some assignments you work as an employee through xentys. Which form fits depends on the assignment and on your own preference. We always discuss that in advance. xentys is NEN-4400-1 certified and holds the SNA quality mark.
How long does an interim assignment last?
Most assignments last from three months to a year. Extensions are common, especially on projects. The number of days per week varies per assignment, from two days to full time.
What does the Dutch DBA Act mean for interim buyers?
Since 2025 the Dutch Tax Administration has been actively enforcing the rules on false self-employment again. If you work as a freelancer, the assignment really has to be carried out independently. xentys looks at each assignment to see which contract type fits, so that neither you nor the client runs a risk.
What is the difference between an interim buyer and a permanent buyer?
A permanent buyer builds supplier relationships and procurement policy over the long term. An interim buyer comes in for a set period with a concrete assignment, and leaves again once it is done. Interim work asks for more independence, but also brings more variety and a higher hourly rate.
Can an interim assignment become a permanent job?
Yes, that happens regularly. On some assignments it is the intention from the start. In that case we discuss the terms at the beginning, so it doesn’t lead to discussion later on.
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 →
Interim Buyer
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.
Supplier selection, contracts and category management.
Buying engineering: engineering, machine building and projects.
Buyer
Operational purchasing: orders, lead times and day-to-day coordination.