Your new role
The Procurement Team has embarked onto a transformational journey aimed to operate transversally and in an agile manner – breaking down silos and operating with flexibility to deliver strategic solutions that not only optimize our supply chains but also enhance operational efficiency and build strategic partnerships with our suppliers. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Buyer for our client Galapagos for a 6 month assignment. In this role, you’ll lead the sourcing and tendering process and support the Category Manager in the deployment of the category strategies across different activities such as raw material, lab consumables & supplies, CAPEX equipment or services.

You will contribute by:
- Supporting the category manager in category strategies development and deployment: updating spend map and supplier categorization;
- Supporting the category manager on operational tasks;
- Ensuring proactively the follow-up and monitoring of the on-going projects: monitoring change requests and supporting Business on resolving critical commercial issues;
- Leading proactively procurement activities and projects with the internal stakeholders and managing the sourcing/tendering process (RFx): from needs identification, through tendering strategy, negotiations, and vendor selection;
- Leading the negotiation of the business and commercial terms of the contracts and demonstrating value for money;
- Proactively engaging with relevant stakeholders and build strong relationships;
- Supporting Supplier Relationship Management at operational level with key stakeholders and strategic suppliers;
- Understanding the existing market industry and analysing the market’s competitive trends, dynamics and disruptors;
- Supporting implementation of new/improved procurement process/way of working/approach, taking into account the environment and different stakeholders.

Your profile
For this position we are looking for someone who fits the following requirements:
An education at university level is required (Master’s degree in economics, business, procurement and supply chain, etc...)
- Minimum 6-7 years of experience in an international environment; experience in direct procurement, CAPEX/OPEX in chemical/pharmaceutical environment or life science sector is a significant plus.
- Fluent in English, Dutch is a plus.
- Curious, fast learner and interest in working in a highly scientific environment.
- Excellent commercial negotiation skills and good basis in contract negotiation.
- Strong analytical and quantitative modelling skills including the ability to structure, collect, analyse, and communicate insights based on data in an organized manner.
- Great communication skills - engage in proactive and effective communication to drive collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
- Solid teamwork mindset: develop strong relationships and foster open communication.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Hands on and proactive in operational management & follow up.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and can navigate self through periods of uncertainty.

About the organization
Galapagos in Leiden offers a unique opportunity for professionals seeking purpose-driven work in biotech. As a trailblazer in immunology and oncology, the company is committed to transforming patient outcomes through scientific innovation. Its headquarters, located in the heart of the Leiden Bio Science Park, foster a dynamic and international work environment. A procurement role at Galapagos means contributing directly to the company’s mission by enabling strategic sourcing and operational excellence. The organization values agility, ownership, and bold thinking—qualities that empower teams to challenge the status quo. Employees are encouraged to grow, take initiative, and collaborate across disciplines. Galapagos provides flexibility, career development, and a culture that celebrates curiosity and impact. Candidates joining the team become part of a journey that’s both professionally rewarding and socially meaningful. It’s more than a job—it’s a call to pioneer change.

The benefits
Hays Detachering | This is a project that will start with a contract for 6 months through Hays. Extension to stay within the department is possible, but cannot be guaranteed at this moment. You will get a competitive salary between 5000 and 7000 euros gross (based on fulltime) and your travel expenses are covered based on km expenses, public transport is fully covered. The NBBU CAO (Collective Labor Agreement) secondary benefits apply. Examples are pension scheme, 25 holidays and 8,3% holiday allowance.

What you need to do now
Are you interested in this vacancy as Category Buyer Direct Procurement? Click on 'Apply' and send an up-to-date CV or call Merel Hasselo on +31620076590. If this vacancy is not exactly what you are looking for, but you are looking for a different position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career options.