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- Tasks: Lead vendor selection and product strategy across multiple European markets.
- Company: Join a dynamic international company shaping product ranges for thousands of customers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to influence major business decisions.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth potential and market insights.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or category management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Purchasing Manager - German Speaking in Coventry employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager - German Speaking in Coventry
✨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 Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its product strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in vendor management and category strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract management and vendor relationships, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess in real-life scenarios can really set you apart during interviews.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager - German Speaking in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in vendor management and category strategy, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in negotiation and commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for purchasing and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any international experience you have, as we value a global perspective!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we're looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset, make sure to highlight your ability to analyse data. Mention any experience you have with Excel or BI tools like Power BI, as this will set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application goes straight to us, and we can review it promptly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial savvy. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and category management. Be ready to discuss how you've maximised sales and margins in previous roles, and have specific examples at hand.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this role, so prepare to share your best negotiation stories. Think about times when you secured better terms or built strong vendor relationships. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes to show your effectiveness.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the markets you'll be working in, especially the core ones like Germany and the UK. Research current trends, challenges, and opportunities in these regions. This will help you provide valuable insights during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for stakeholder management. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points, and don’t shy away from discussing how you’ve collaborated with other departments.