“Leen approached me in 2014 via LinkedIn, asking if I knew a good buyer. I know Leen from our shared past at Paardekooper Verpakkingen. At that time, I was working for another company outside the packaging industry, but I soon discovered that I missed the dynamic world of packaging. So that is how it happened: I became the new buyer.”
“This was during the time of ITH Complast,” Steven continues. “The company was based in Andelst then, later moved to Zwijndrecht, and eventually we moved to Oud-Beijerland in 2019. I was back at the place where I started my career in packaging as a buyer about 30 years earlier.”
Scoring the best deal
In 2012, Steven made a temporary move to a completely different industry and a semi-governmental organization. A world of difference! Something like chess versus squash, and that also applies to procurement. In the packaging world, it is not just an administrative process, but also a sport.
Steven: “I think that is why I have lasted so long. Securing the deal on the best terms for the benefit of both us and our customers! I find that a wonderful challenge. Raw material prices fluctuate, and timing and agility are essential.”
“Raw material prices fluctuate, and timing and agility are essential.”
- Steven Barneveld -
Building relationships
According to Steven, a good deal is not just about the lowest price, but also about quality, inventory management, lead times, and logistical intelligence. A good network is indispensable. “That is also what I love about my profession: truly building relationships with suppliers. I am a proponent of long-term relationships. Being there for each other in difficult times. That human aspect, negotiating based on mutual respect and vision, is something I have found incredibly valuable over the past 30 years.”
Strategic procurement
Steven still remembers the early years of Packit: “We worked with a small team of about twelve people. It was a time when everyone did a bit of everything. The focus was mainly on operations. Since Packit’s growth, we have transitioned to a more strategic way of working. These developments led to the expansion of the procurement team. Where I was responsible for all procurement in the past, I am now more involved in project-based work. A role that suits me perfectly and where my years of experience come in handy. Additionally, project-based work provides the structure needed to increase our impact. We are still a relatively small group, but our impact is enormous. The good working atmosphere also plays an important role here. We enjoy each other’s company as colleagues and we know exactly what to expect from one another. You achieve results with a clear strategy and the right team spirit.”