Job Description

ARE YOU OUR NEW PURCHASING EXPERT AND READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM IN TILBURG?

At LION, we are looking for a driven medior / senior Buyer who ensures that our purchasing processes run smoothly, on time, and in a cost‑conscious manner. You know exactly how to select the right suppliers, negotiate the best terms, and ensure that materials and components are always available on time—so that our production and service operations continue without disruption.

Who Are You?

In this role, you will work closely with your fellow Buyer and colleagues from Operations, Production, Logistics, Engineering, and Finance. Together with your fellow Buyer, you are responsible for the entire purchasing process—from demand to delivery.

With your analytical skills, eye for quality, and commercial mindset, you ensure optimal inventory levels, favourable contract terms, and satisfied internal stakeholders. You are comfortable switching between strategic decisions (such as cost reduction initiatives and supplier selection) and operational tasks (such as placing orders, follow‑up, and inventory management).

You are willing to visit suppliers, actively manage supplier relationships, and negotiate the best possible pricing. This makes the role dynamic and requires a certain level of willingness to travel.

More About LION

LION develops and manufactures fire simulation systems for training purposes worldwide. These systems are used by fire brigades, defence organisations, emergency response teams, and industrial companies. In addition, we supply PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) with a strong focus on firefighter protective clothing.

LION originated as a family‑owned business, a heritage that continues to shape our company culture today. Our parent company is also a family business with a history of more than 125 years. From our EMEA headquarters, approximately 55 employees contribute to LION’s success.

The Department

As a Buyer, you will be part of the Operations business unit. You report directly to the Operations Director and work closely with your fellow Buyer and various internal departments. Your role is essential in balancing cost, quality, delivery reliability, and inventory management.

What Will Your Work Look Like?

• Ensuring timely purchasing and follow‑up of deliveries via our MRP/ERP systems
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with international suppliers
• Negotiating on price, lead time, quality, packaging, and logistics conditions
• Managing inventory levels and identifying deviations or shortages
• Supporting product changes, improvements, and projects in collaboration with internal departments
• Analysing price differences and actively identifying cost‑reduction opportunities
• Proactively sourcing new suppliers or alternatives to reduce risk and ensure continuity
• Ensuring accurate master data and correct administrative processing of purchasing information
• Contributing to supply chain improvement initiatives and supporting our HSE objectives

What Do You Bring?

• A completed education at a minimum HBO (Bachelor’s) level and several years of relevant experience as a Buyer or in a similar role; NEVI 1 or 2 certification is an advantage
• Strong negotiation skills and a proven track record of successful purchasing results
• Experience with ERP systems
• A good command of the English language, both spoken and written; Dutch is a plus
• Strong technical insight is highly desirable; experience in a production/manufacturing environment is therefore a strong advantage

What Does LION Offer?

LION offers you the opportunity to do meaningful work that enables emergency responders to save lives. You will report directly to the Category Sales Manager Training Solutions.

We offer an attractive benefits package, including 40 vacation days per year (based on full‑time employment), a favourable pension scheme, travel expense reimbursement, the option to purchase products and services with tax benefits (e.g. gym membership, laptop, weekend getaway, or gift vouchers)

LION operates under the Metalektro collective labour agreement (CAO). You will have the opportunity to work partially remotely, although working from our office in Tilburg is certainly enjoyable as well.

Interested?

We are very keen to get to know you. We would be happy to invite you for an introductory meeting to learn more about who you are and what you are looking for. During your visit, we will also give you a tour of our Experience Centre, where you can see what the organisation develops and produces.

If we are both enthusiastic after the introduction, we will invite you to spend a few hours within the organisation. This will give you the opportunity to experience what it is like to work at LION, including meeting various colleagues. We believe it is important that you gain a clear understanding of the organisation and whether it is the right fit for you.

For further information, please contact Stephanie Geerts via
📞 +31 (0)6 28534173 or ✉️ sgeerts@lionprotects.com