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- Tasks: Lead product strategy and vendor partnerships across multiple European markets.
- Company: Dynamic international company focused on customer satisfaction and profitability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape product ranges.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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 60000 - 80000 £ 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 Loughborough employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Loughborough
✨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 you to show off your commercial savvy and negotiation skills, so think about how you can demonstrate your experience in vendor management and category strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to communicate clearly and confidently about your past successes in purchasing and assortment management. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Manager in Loughborough
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, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your commercial mindset and negotiation skills.
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 your international experience and how you can drive profitability and strengthen vendor partnerships. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset, don’t forget to highlight your data analysis skills. If you’ve used Excel or BI tools like Power BI, make sure to mention it. Show us how you’ve used data to spot opportunities in the past!
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 core markets mentioned in the job description. Research current trends, competitors, and customer preferences in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can shape product strategies.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like product lifecycles or market insights. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery and boost your confidence.