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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 international exposure.
- 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 & Assortment Manager employer: Viking
Contact Detail:
Viking Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Assortment Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Purchasing & Assortment Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨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, brush up on your negotiation techniques. Maybe even role-play with a friend to build your confidence before those big discussions.
✨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 their job search. Let’s get you that Purchasing & Assortment Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Assortment Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing & Assortment Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing, vendor management, and category strategy. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your achievements in negotiation and vendor relationships that demonstrate your commercial savvy.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we’re all about making data-driven decisions, don’t forget to mention your experience with Excel and any BI tools you’ve used. We love seeing how you can spot risks and opportunities in data, so make it clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
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 speak confidently about how you can shape product strategies that maximise sales and customer satisfaction.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you manage stakeholder expectations and drive category performance.