Tom Bode, Lead Buyer BÜFA Group
Five years ago, Tom Bode began working at Vivochem, never imagining he would end up in strategic procurement. Now, three years into his role as a Lead Buyer BÜFA Group, he focuses daily on inventory management, supplier relations, and category management. What makes his job so enjoyable? "The variety and the dynamic nature of the work - no two days are the same," he says enthusiastically.
The path to Vivochem
Before joining Vivochem, Tom had a background in logistics but was uncertain about his career path. "I had worked at a plastics manufacturer for a while and later at a specialised window decoration company, where I coordinated logistics processes from China," he explains.
A recruitment agency approached him for a position at Vivochem. "They saw my background in Supply Chain and thought the role would be a great fit for me. I had a few pleasant, informal conversations, and within weeks, I was able to start. It felt right immediately."
In his initial two years, Tom worked in operational procurement within logistics. When a position opened up in strategic procurement, he began to consider making the transition. "A colleague encouraged me, saying, 'This is perfect for you,' which sparked my motivation to take the leap. What's great about Vivochem is that they genuinely support your development. That helped me find my place in procurement."
Every day is different
Tom's workday usually starts around 7:45 AM, with a cup of coffee while checking his inbox. "Our work is very action-oriented, so my inbox often determines the day's priorities," he explains.
It's this variety that he enjoys so much. "No two days are the same. Some days are packed with urgent requests, while others are dedicated to projects or meetings. In between, I monitor my product portfolio, manage inventory, and focus on category management. That variety makes the job dynamic."
His work requires collaboration with various stakeholders: suppliers, internal departments like sales and quality, and colleagues within the BÜFA Group. "Being part of an international organisation means I work closely with our team in Germany and communicate with suppliers around the globe. That international aspect makes my job even more interesting."
Personal and professional growth
Over the years at Vivochem, Tom has grown significantly. "When I first started here, I had little knowledge of chemistry, but I've learned a great deal since then," he says. He also completed the Nevi training, which is the leading procurement qualification in the Netherlands.
What he appreciates most about Vivochem is the opportunity for growth. "Whenever I express interest in an additional course, it's taken seriously. There's genuine support for my development."
The right skills for procurement
According to Tom, procurement is much more than just requesting quotes, negotiating, and placing orders. "You must understand the customer's needs and translate them into effective solutions. That sometimes means asking the right questions to uncover what they really want."
He highlights the importance of patience and maintaining a broad perspective: "Setting priorities and filtering out what matters is crucial."
Vivochem as an employer
What sets Vivochem apart as an employer? "It is an international yet very approachable organisation," Tom explains. "The flat structure allows for open discussions. You have a lot of freedom in your work and plenty of room for development. My role is action-oriented, which makes it challenging - ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment."
But the most important aspect? "The colleagues," he says immediately. "We have a fun team where laughter is common, but we can also be serious when needed. That makes working here not only challenging but also really enjoyable."
Looking ahead
For now, Tom is very happy at Vivochem. "I want to deepen my knowledge of the chemical sector and gain even more experience," he says. "I'd also like to visit suppliers and international colleagues more often. That helps me understand the organisation better, expand my network, and gain new insights."
For anyone considering a career in procurement, he has one final tip: "Stay calm and keep an overview. The most important thing is to truly understand what the customer wants. By asking the right questions, you can better assess which solution fits best."
