Project Buyer

About the role

Lely is a Netherlands-based company headquartered in Maassluis that designs and manufactures automated systems for livestock farming and agricultural management. The organization is widely recognized for its robotics-driven approach to modern farming, producing equipment that supports dairy operations, feeding systems, and barn management. The Project Buyer will join the company in a full-time capacity to manage procurement and purchasing activities that are directly tied to specific internal projects. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying qualified suppliers, negotiating favorable purchase terms, and ensuring that all project-related materials and services are acquired on time and within the allocated budget. You will serve as a key link between project teams and external vendors, translating detailed project requirements into concrete purchasing actions and procurement plans. Your day-to-day work will directly contribute to the successful execution of projects that advance Lely's broader mission of automating and improving farming processes worldwide. You will also be expected to maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and continuously seek out new sourcing opportunities that add value to the company's project portfolio.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Coordinate procurement activities for all assigned projects from initial planning through final project completion

2. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for project-specific components, raw materials, and associated services

3. Negotiate pricing structures and contractual terms with vendors to secure favorable and sustainable purchasing conditions

4. Monitor project budgets closely and track all purchasing expenditures against established financial forecasts and limits

5. Collaborate with project managers and technical teams to understand detailed material and resource requirements

1. Prepare accurate purchase orders and ensure thorough documentation for every procurement transaction and internal approval
2. Review supplier contracts carefully and confirm that delivery schedules align with critical project milestones and deadlines

8. Analyze current market trends and assess supplier performance data to recommend meaningful and ongoing process improvements

9. Resolve procurement-related issues promptly that may negatively impact overall project timelines or the quality of deliverables

10. Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date records of all purchase agreements, vendor communications, and contract amendments or renewals

Requirements

1. Demonstrated experience in a buying or procurement role within a project-based organizational setting is essential

2. Strong understanding of sourcing strategies and effective supplier relationship management practices in a professional environment

3. Ability to interpret technical project specifications and translate them into clear, actionable procurement requirements

4. Proficiency in working with project budgets and tracking spending against allocated financial resources and limits

5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging with internal project teams and external vendors

6. Strong attention to detail when reviewing contracts, purchase orders, delivery confirmations, and other procurement documentation

7. Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple concurrent procurement activities without compromising quality or deadlines

8. A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in business administration, supply chain management, or a closely related field

Nice to have

1. Familiarity with agricultural or robotics industries and their unique supply chain dynamics and operational requirements

2. Experience working with international suppliers and managing cross-border procurement, logistics, and import or export processes

3. Knowledge of ERP or procurement software systems used to streamline and automate purchasing workflows efficiently

4. Professional certifications in procurement, supply chain management, or a related discipline are valued and welcomed

Skills & tools

1. Supplier evaluation and vendor negotiation techniques for securing competitive and mutually beneficial purchasing terms

2. Purchase order management and procurement documentation best practices to ensure accuracy and compliance

3. Budget tracking and cost analysis methods for project-based spending decisions and financial oversight

4. Contract review and supplier agreement management procedures including renewal and amendment processes

5. Stakeholder communication and cross-departmental coordination to align procurement activities with broader project objectives

6. Market research and supplier performance assessment methodologies for building a reliable and efficient supply base

Practical notes

1. The position is based in Maassluis, the Netherlands, and requires regular on-site presence at the company office

2. This is a full-time role with standard working hours as defined by the employer and local labor regulations

3. The compensation package and salary for this role have not been disclosed in the current job listing

4. Candidates should expect to work within a collaborative team environment focused on agricultural automation and robotics projects

5. The hiring process may include multiple interview rounds with project managers and procurement team leads