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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic partnerships and negotiate deals to expand our product range.
- Company: Join a leading company known for its innovative office solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our offerings and make a real impact in a dynamic market.
- Qualifications: Experience in vendor management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with cross-border teamwork and career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially savvy Vendor Manager to join our European team and help expand the Viking offering beyond core office products. This is a chance to shape an assortment that truly showcases what we can offer business customers — all while working independently, building strategic partnerships, and collaborating across borders. If you thrive on negotiating high-impact deals, developing extended product ranges, and influencing multi-market strategies, this is the role for you.
As our Vendor Manager, you will take ownership of strategic partnerships, vendor negotiations, and extended assortment strategy. You will identify and engage new vendors, manage high-value relationships, and drive the end-to-end lifecycle of products to ensure every decision supports sales and margin growth. You will play a key role in shaping Viking's differentiated offering and influencing what we bring to market, showcasing that we supply much more than the office products we are so well known for.
What You Will Be Doing
- Strategic Partnerships & Negotiation
- Identify and secure partnerships that open new markets and opportunities.
- Lead commercial negotiations that deliver win-win outcomes for Viking and our partners.
- Structure strategic agreements such as alliances, sourcing deals, licensing, and joint ventures.
- Stay on top of market developments and trends to drive category expansion.
- Assortment & Pricing Ownership
- Shape and execute the extended assortment strategy, from product selection to onboarding.
- Own pricing decisions to optimise competitiveness and margin.
- Lead sourcing and development for private/own-brand ranges.
- Vendor & Sourcing Strategy
- Develop vendor and sourcing strategies to strengthen costs, margins, and rebates.
- Drive negotiations that secure improved contractual terms and cash flow.
- Monitor vendor performance and champion continuous improvement.
- Cross-Border Collaboration & Customer Focus
- Partner with Sales across Europe to meet customer needs and support major deals.
- Build strong internal relationships to align stakeholders on assortment and sourcing strategy.
- Provide market-relevant insights to inform decision-making on costs, forecasting, and vendor performance.
What You Will Bring
- Proven experience in business development, vendor management, partnerships, or assortment strategy.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of leading negotiations and improving cost/margin performance.
- Hands-on experience developing product and pricing strategies across multiple markets or countries.
- Ability to work independently while building trust and influencing stakeholders across functions and borders.
- Analytical mindset with confidence interpreting market trends, forecasting costs, and driving strategic decisions.
- A degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA a plus).
Vendor Manager in Leicester employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Vendor Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to be able to discuss how you can shape their assortment strategy and drive vendor negotiations. Show them you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing high-impact deals. We believe that showcasing your ability to secure win-win outcomes will set you apart from the crowd.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commercial Savvy: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in business development and vendor management. We want to see how you've successfully negotiated deals and improved cost/margin performance in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to the Vendor Manager role. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with our needs, like your ability to build strategic partnerships and influence multi-market strategies.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Vendor Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to vendor performance, pricing strategies, and market trends. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight win-win outcomes and how you structured agreements. This will show your potential employer that you can handle high-impact deals effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research the current market trends relevant to the office products industry and beyond. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could influence Viking's assortment strategy and vendor partnerships.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships across functions and borders. Share examples of how you've collaborated with sales teams or other departments to meet customer needs and drive business growth.
