COLOGNE - Purchasing Specialist (7730) presso Viking Cruises

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Germany or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION 
•    As Purchasing Specialist, you will be part of the Technical Organization River (TOR) that oversees Maintenance & Repair Operations for Viking’s fleet of 80+ river ships.
•    You will report to the Senior Manager Purchasing & Logistics and work closely with the technical department leadership team and other key stakeholders in the company. 
•    As partner for our strategic vendors, you ensure availability and quality of materials, agree on stock levels and take appropriate action if the aligned stock levels fall below the required level. 
•    You also ensure that negotiated contracts, processes and quality levels are adhered to and within financial outcomes. This interesting and diverse role is based in Cologne (Germany) and requires travelling based on business needs and projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Review and process purchase and transfer orders based on ship requisition 
•    Establishing and maintaining trusting relationships with suppliers
•    Select prospective suppliers and negotiate contracts, prices, quality and timelines 
•    Manage adjustments in adherence to budget guidelines and inventory needs in liaison with stakeholders  
•    Support the Senior Purchasing Manager in developing a purchasing strategy 
•    Monitor and compare ship ordering volumes and warehouse stock levels to be in-line with forecasts and budgets, and report significant issues and deviations to management 
•    Collaborate with logistics department to guarantee a smooth, streamlined and efficient end-to-end supply chain 
•    Keep up with trends in purchasing technology 
•    Work closely with key stakeholders, as well as vendors to implement initiatives and processes optimizations to improve day to day supply chain management 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS
•    2 years of relevant job experience is desirable  
•    Relevant knowledge and general understanding of technical spare parts and components 
•    Familiar with warehouse management systems, experience with Dynamics365 desirable  
•    Knowledge of customs clearance, transportation and documentation of dangerous good is a plus 
•    Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English and German 
•    Experience with AI-related software and common project management software is a plus 

EDUCATION
•    Graduate education within the technical industry, preferably with a degree in business administration or engineering or equivalent work experience 

COMMUNITY & CULTURE
•    Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role. 
For more details about this position, contact us under +41 61 638 60 11
*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*