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- Tasks: Lead purchasing and assortment strategy for office supplies across Europe.
- Company: Join Viking, a top European workplace solutions provider.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, life assurance, 25 days holiday, and global travel insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth across Europe.
- Why this job: Shape product ranges and make a real impact in an 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? 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 x annual salary)
- 25 days holiday from day one
- Paid Appointment Leave
- Global Travel Insurance for you and your family
Plus, opportunities to develop and grow in a European organisation.
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 employer: Viking Office
Contact Detail:
Viking Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Purchasing & Assortment Manager role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Viking and its competitors. Understand their product strategies and market positioning. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves vendor management and contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Viking team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing & Assortment Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing, vendor management, and category strategy. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Viking. Be sure to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial savvy.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since a strong commercial mindset is key, don’t forget to showcase your ability to analyse data. Mention any experience you have with Excel or BI tools like Power BI, as this will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking Office
✨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 numbers confidently will show that you understand the financial impact of your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Think about how you built relationships with vendors and what strategies you used to secure favourable terms. This is your chance to shine, so be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes you achieved.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the European market for office supplies, especially in the core markets mentioned. Research current trends, competitors, and customer preferences. This knowledge will help you speak intelligently about product strategies and demonstrate your ability to drive profitability.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working with various teams, think about how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Prepare to discuss how you manage stakeholder relationships and communicate effectively across departments. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you're a great fit for Viking's collaborative environment.