At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and assortment strategy for General Office Supplies across Europe.
- Company: Join Viking, a top European workplace solutions provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, and 25 days holiday from day one.
- Other info: Opportunity for global travel and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and drive profitability in a collaborative international team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or 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 product strategy for their division across our European business.
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:
At Viking, you’ll be part of a collaborative, international team with the opportunity to shape our product assortment across Europe. Alongside a competitive package, you’ll also benefit from:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance (4 × annual salary)
- 25 days holiday from day one
- Paid Appointment Leave
- Global Travel Insurance for you and your family
Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester employer: Viking Europe
Viking is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment, allowing you to make a significant impact on our product assortment across Europe. With a competitive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, and generous holiday entitlement, we prioritise employee well-being and growth. Join us to leverage your expertise in purchasing and category management while enjoying opportunities for professional development within a leading European workplace solutions provider.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Purchasing & Assortment Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Viking and its competitors. Understand their product strategies and market positioning. We want you to show up with insights that demonstrate your commercial savvy and how you can drive profitability in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves vendor management and contract negotiations, we suggest role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you articulate your approach confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Viking.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing & Assortment Manager role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and category strategy, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you can drive profitability!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Viking. Mention specific examples of your past successes in purchasing and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Commercial Mindset:In your application, demonstrate your strong commercial mindset. Talk about how you've spotted risks and opportunities in data before. We love candidates who can think strategically and make data-driven decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Viking!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing & Assortment Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial savvy. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and category management, such as margins, sales figures, and vendor performance. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the financial impact of your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully built long-term vendor relationships or achieved significant cost savings. Be ready to discuss your approach and the strategies you used. This will highlight your experience and ability to drive profitability.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the European office supplies market, especially in the core countries mentioned. Research current trends, competitors, and potential challenges. This knowledge will help you provide valuable insights during the interview and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like product strategy or vendor performance. Good communication can set you apart and show that you're a team player who can collaborate effectively.
