Category Buyer

Do you have a passion for consumer products, do you want to see the results of your work in hundreds of stores? Do you make razor-sharp purchasing deals and are you the one who knows how to find opportunities in the market? Then read on.

In this exciting role, you will negotiate, place, and oversee purchase orders with our suppliers.

As such, you become an indispensable link in the procurement of non-food products in various categories. There is never a dull moment because we have categories like multimedia, gadgets, hobby, home decorations, household, personal care, pet items, and more. Together with the other Category Buyers you are indispensable by, among other things, testing the commercial feasibility of products and you work along with Sales, Quality Management, Graphic Design, our team in China and the suppliers.

You will accomplish this by:

• Execute price requests plus negotiations and make price calculations for sales quotations.
• Trend watching, market research and searching on (international) fairs.
• Initiate and realize product innovations (and thus respond to changing needs in the market).
• On a tactical and strategic level, balances various factors to achieve development and implementation of strategic and operational product strategies in the short and long term.
• Point of contact for questions from colleagues about assortments, prices and other product information.
• Selecting and subsequently evaluating suppliers.
• Sets preconditions and makes agreements with the parties involved and / or colleagues about the services and products to be delivered in connection with: production, certification, quality, delivery, deadlines, etc.

Job requirements

What you bring with you

• A number of years of relevant experience as a Category Buyer, Product Manager, or Purchaser within the Retail industry.
• Experience with and knowledge of category management and product development.
• You are already familiar with the Chinese (business) culture.
• The purchasing process holds no secrets for you.
• You are known for your sharpness, analytical ability, accuracy and boundless energy.
• You have a driving license B in your pocket and no objection to traveling abroad (several times a year).

Who we are?

Karsten International develops a wide range of products for daily use, from the latest gadgets to sustainable beauty products. You name it, we make it. In addition to working hard and delivering quality, enjoyment and collegiality are our top priorities. The team consists of driven product developers, sales experts, logistics talents, online marketing specialists and graphic designers. Thanks to a broad international network and more than ten years of experience, we are winning the hearts of consumers all over the world with our products. You will be given every opportunity to contribute to this.

To ensure that you stay in top condition, we offer you

• Appropriate salary
• Room for personal growth and professional development
• An excellent pension scheme
• Travel allowance
• 13th month bonus
• 8% holiday allowance
• An extensive lunch
• Fresh fruit
• Freshly ground coffee
• Boot camp
• Yoga
• Your own football team
• Massage
• Discount on cool products
• A weekly Frimibo and fun parties
• An Instagram-worthy and easily accessible office in Amsterdam
• A great team of colleagues