At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and assortment strategies for General Office Supplies across Europe.
- Company: Viking, a top European workplace solutions provider with a global reach.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, life assurance, 25 days holiday, and global travel insurance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape product strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic international environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing/category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join Viking, a leading European workplace solutions provider, and take ownership of a high-impact purchasing and assortment portfolio in General Office Supplies. We’re looking for a commercially savvy Purchasing & Assortment Manager to drive profitability, strengthen vendor partnerships, and shape the product strategy for their division across our European business. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a truly international environment, influencing product ranges that support thousands of customers.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading assortment, vendor selection, contract management and pricing across 7 core markets (UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria & Switzerland), plus coordination with Italy, Spain & France.
- Developing category and product strategies to maximise sales, margins and customer satisfaction.
- Negotiating contracts and building long-term vendor relationships.
- Managing product lifecycles, from new launches to delistings.
- Driving cost savings, own-brand development, and rebate opportunities.
- Collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Merchandising on promotions and category performance.
- Providing market insights and managing vendor performance against agreements.
About you:
- 5+ years’ purchasing and/or category management experience in an international trading environment.
- Proven track record in negotiation, vendor management and category strategy.
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to spot risks and opportunities in data.
- Excellent stakeholder management and clear, confident communication.
- Fluent in English (other languages such as French, Dutch or German are an advantage but not essential).
- Skilled in Excel; experience with pricing management or BI tools (e.g. Power BI) a plus.
- Willingness to travel.
Why join Viking?
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary)
- 25 days holiday from day one
- Paid Appointment Leave
- Global Travel Insurance for you and your family
Ready to make an impact? If you’re a skilled negotiator with a passion for category management and want to shape the future of workplace solutions at Viking, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take your career to the next level.
Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester employer: Viking Direct
Viking is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and international work environment, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the purchasing and assortment sector. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, life assurance, and generous holiday allowances from day one. Our culture promotes professional growth through collaboration across diverse markets, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive and develop their career in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Viking Direct.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Viking Direct:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Viking Direct. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Viking Direct.
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking Direct
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Viking Direct!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Viking Direct. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Viking Direct's culture.
