Category Purchaser

As a Category Purchaser for Seals, Plastics & Valves, you will lead and coordinate Valmet s global spare parts procurement operations by executing operational and strategical purchasing assignments that deliver optimal value to the company. You will secure an efficient supply of parts serving customers across the Pulp, Energy & Circularity, Packaging, and Tissue sectors. Through strategic supplier management and footprint optimization, you will contribute to transforming the supply chain, enhancing cost-efficiency, and strengthening the competitiveness of Valmet s procurement function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute procurement activities for globally assigned categories and suppliers, ensuring alignment with sourcing strategies.
• Monitor and follow up on purchase orders to secure cost efficiency, quality compliance, and on-time delivery.
• Manage price agreements and maintain item data in ERP and related systems.
• Plan and lead annual price negotiations with designated suppliers.
• Define supply strategies, priorities, timelines, and action plans in collaboration with cross-functional procurement teams, including supplier quality and logistics.
• Identify and implement long-term cost-saving initiatives, including Design-to-Cost programs.
• Support supplier development in coordination with the Category Management function, following supplier relationship management principles.
• Provide cost data and sourcing support to sales and cost estimation teams during project planning and bidding phases.
• Ensure the effective implementation of sourcing strategies with selected vendors.
• Stay informed on industry trends and technological advancements relevant to assigned categories.
• Proactively identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen the supplier base.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts to ensure compliance with Valmet s procurement policies.
• Drive sourcing initiatives in Cost Competitive Countries (CCC) to enhance global supply efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels in alignment with procurement strategies to support healthy net working capital and operational efficiency.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Masters or Bachelors degree. Preferred fields of study: engineering or commercial
• 3 years of working experience in a similar role
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to run with swift and fact-based decisions
• Strong influencing and negotiations skills with demonstrated ability to achieve results in a global matrix organization
• Strong knowledge of Windows environment (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ERP Systems (Infor LN competence is preferrable)
• Fluent in English, Other languages are an asset
• High level of commitment and proactive approach
• Ability to work and perform well under pressure with tight deadlines
• Driving license.