At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and vendor partnerships across multiple European markets.
- Company: Dynamic international company focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape product ranges.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product offerings that support thousands of customers.
- 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 & Assortment Manager in Leicester employer: Viking
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Purchasing & Assortment Manager, where you'll thrive in a collaborative and international work culture that values creativity and strategic thinking. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact across multiple European markets. Enjoy competitive benefits and the unique advantage of working in a diverse environment that supports your professional journey while driving profitability and customer satisfaction.
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 industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. 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 the company and its product strategies. We want to see you shine with your knowledge about their market presence and how you can contribute to their profitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve successfully managed vendor relationships or driven cost savings. We love hearing about real-life examples that demonstrate your commercial savvy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help shape our product strategy across Europe.
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 commercial mindset. 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 this role. Mention specific examples of your negotiation successes and how you've developed product strategies in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we’re all about spotting risks and opportunities in data, make sure to highlight your Excel skills and any experience with BI tools like Power BI. We love numbers, so show us how you’ve used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
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 get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking
✨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. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive profitability and make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about the strategies you used, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you can build long-term vendor relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the markets you'll be working in, especially the 7 core ones mentioned. Research current trends, customer preferences, and competitive products. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can develop category and product strategies that maximise sales and margins.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past, and be ready to showcase your communication skills during the interview.
