Richard van der Spaan Category Buyer

For years, he has been one of the regular faces in the Purchasing department. Richard van der Spaan has now become part of VDL TBP Electronics and is certainly not thinking about quitting. He has never been a job-hopper, he feels good in our family business and that is why he gives 100% every day.
 

What exactly does your job as a Buyer (Category Buyer) entail?

“For the most part, I purchase components from our suppliers and ensure that they are here on time. Obtaining components on time has been a major challenge in recent years due to the global component crisis. I myself mainly purchase semiconductor components, which are placed in very innovative machines. In addition, supplier management is an important part of my job description: I visit suppliers and try to maintain a good relationship with them. I also attend trade fairs to meet suppliers and clients, such as the World of Technology & Science (WoTS), Electronics & Applications (E&A), Precision Fair or Electronica München. In addition, it is useful to stay up-to-date in the market, which I do by reading various trade journals.”

What characteristics should a Category Buyer have and why?

“We work here in an efficient team with a diversity of people. It is therefore important that you are a social person. A real team player who can work well together, is solution-oriented and has good communication skills. When you enter into negotiations with suppliers, you have to be strong and persistent. Another characteristic that you must have is high accuracy. The parameters must be filled in carefully and correctly, this is important because our entire ERP system runs on it.”

What appeals to you about working at VDL TBP Electronics?

“The family atmosphere within this company really appeals to me and the cooperation with colleagues from various departments is going well. It is nice that you are given opportunities to develop yourself personally here. I have always had a connection with technology and thought that the technical purchasing world was incredibly big. However, it turns out to be a small world and that makes it special.”

You live and work on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee. How do you experience this?

“I live in the picturesque Ouddorp and feel blessed that I only have to travel a short, traffic-free distance from my home to my work address. The beach is just around the corner and it is wonderful to be able to take a walk on the beach after a day of work. The residents of Goeree-Overflakkee usually know where the VDL TBP Electronics building is located, but they are curious about what kind of work is being done inside. I am happy to tell them about this. During the open day last year, I brought several family members with me to give them a ‘peek behind the scenes’. I can say that I am incredibly proud to be able to work for this wonderful high-tech company.”