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- Tasks: Lead purchasing and assortment across multiple European markets, driving profitability and vendor relationships.
- Company: Join Viking, a top European workplace solutions provider with a collaborative international team.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, life assurance, 25 days holiday, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape product strategies that impact thousands of customers in a dynamic, international environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing/category management; strong negotiation skills and commercial mindset required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with 20% travel to our Netherlands office; fluent English essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Leicester (Hybrid) with 20% travel including to our Venlo (Netherlands) office 2-3 days per month Join Viking, a leading European workplace solutions provider, and take ownership of a high-impact purchasing and assortment portfolio across multiple markets. We’re looking for a commercially savvy Purchasing & Assortment Manager to drive profitability, strengthen vendor partnerships, and shape the product strategy 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 Dutch or German are an advantage). 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 ? 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
Manager Purchasing & Assortment employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Purchasing & Assortment
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Viking's product range and market presence across the core countries mentioned. Understanding their offerings will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their assortment strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing and category management field, especially those who have experience in international environments. This could provide you with valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills and prepare examples of successful vendor relationships you've managed. Being able to articulate your past successes will demonstrate your capability in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and challenges in the workplace solutions sector. Showing that you are informed about the industry will highlight your commercial mindset and ability to spot opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager Purchasing & Assortment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and category management. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any international trading experience, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial mindset and ability to spot risks and opportunities in data. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and developed product strategies.
Highlight Language Skills: If you speak any languages other than English, such as Dutch or German, be sure to mention them. This can set you apart from other candidates and is advantageous for the role.
Showcase Relevant Tools Experience: If you have experience with Excel, pricing management, or BI tools like Power BI, make sure to include this in your application. Highlighting your technical skills can demonstrate your readiness for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Viking
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Purchasing & Assortment Manager, negotiation is key. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past, highlighting how you achieved favourable outcomes for your previous employers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've identified risks and opportunities in data. Use specific instances where your commercial mindset has positively impacted sales or margins in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience
This role requires excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Prepare to share experiences where you've effectively collaborated with different teams, such as Sales and Marketing, to achieve common goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Market
Research Viking's product offerings and their position in the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach category and product strategies to maximise sales and customer satisfaction across the various European markets.