Head of Procurement and Merchandising

• Vorwerk International & Co. KmG

Vorwerk International & Co. KmG belongs to the German family-owned company Vorwerk that has been operating in Wuppertal for 140 years. From the strategic head offices in Wollerau SZ, the Kobold and Thermomix divisions are managed.

We are an international company offering to our employees and sales advisors a wide variety of prospects. The successful direct sales concept, fascinating well-known brands as well as long-term perspectives form perfect conditions for dedicated people to take the opportunity to actively shape their future with us.

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Head of Procurement and Merchandising to lead our efforts in optimizing supply chain operations, enhancing complementary product assortment and services strategies, and driving innovation. This role combines strategy, operational excellence, and creativity, with a focus on quality management, supplier partnerships, procurement management and global market insights.

More @ vorwerk.com

What are we looking for?

As the Head of Procurement and Merchandising, you will:
Procurement

• Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with the company’s goals and values.
• Establish and manage relationships with global and local suppliers to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and reliability
• Travel extensively, including to Asia, the USA, and other regions, to identify the best suppliers, explore creative ideas, and foster partnerships
• Lead contract negotiations, supplier selection, and performance management processes.
• Stay informed on trends and innovations by attending and leveraging insights from major international exhibitions

Merchandising

• Define and implement merchandising strategies to ensure optimal product mix and alignment with customer and advisors needs
• Analyze market data, competition and consumer trends to drive assortment planning and pricing strategies
• Collaborate with marketing global team and also with mktg of the countries, and design teams to curate and promote product ranges effectively
• Oversee inventory management to maintain stock levels, reduce waste, and maximize profitability
• Lead the adoption of digital tools and analytics to improve merchandising effectiveness.
• Quality Management
• Oversee and ensure the quality of merchandise across all sourcing and production stages and/or manage third-party quality assurance providers, ensuring they meet company standards
• Establish robust quality control processes to guarantee compliance with specifications and certifications
• Monitor supplier adherence to ethical and quality standards, addressing any issues proactively
• Smart Stock Management and Digital Transformation
• Implement and oversee smart and digital stock management tools to enhance inventory visibility and control
• Develop processes to enable seamless stock exchange between countries within the group, leveraging inventory across markets to maximize profitability and minimize stockouts or overages
• Use data-driven insights to optimize stock allocation and demand forecasting across the organization

Leadership and Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing team of procurement and merchandising professionals.
• Foster an environment of innovation and creativity within the team, encouraging new ideas and solutions
• Set KPIs and regularly review performance, ensuring continuous improvement in processes and outcomes
• Report directly to the VP international marketing & merchandising on procurement, merchandising, and inventory management performance

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, merchandising, or a related role, with at least 5 years in a leadership position
• Proven expertise in supplier management, contract negotiations, and global sourcing.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and experience working with third-party quality assurance providers
• Experience implementing smart stock management and digital inventory solutions.
• Familiarity with major international exhibitions and access to industry networks
• A strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset and openness to innovation and team creativity
• Demonstrated success in identifying and implementing creative solutions and new ideas.
• Willingness and availability to travel internationally, including to Asia, the USA, and other regions
• Proficiency in English, any other language language skill is welcome

What we’ll offer you

We are an international, by Kununu as top company 2024 awarded employer, offering various prospects to our employees and sales advisors. The successful direct sales concept, fascinating well-known brands, and long-term perspectives form perfect conditions for dedicated people to take the opportunity to shape their future with us actively. Our benefits include:

• Very international and multicultural business environment
• New, modern, and ergonomic offices
• Parking available and close public transportation connections
• Flexible working hours
• Home office possibility (part time)
• Profitable pension fund
• Individual benefits to choose from like, contribution to public transportation, parking, extra vacation days, company products, bike/ e-bike, sports equipment
• Own fitness room
• Free coffee and fruits

Moreover, since April 2021, Vorwerk International is a certified Fair-ON-Pay company as we want to underline our ongoing commitment to equal pay between women and men.
Read more about it here: https://fair-on-pay.com/certified-companies/

We are looking forward to getting to know you and will be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Please apply by using the green link (APPLY NOW), which directs you to the recruitment tool.

Your Contact

Vorwerk International Co. & KmG
Verenastrasse 39
8832 Wollerau

We encourage people to reignite their passion every day. Become enthralled too – Passion on!

• People & Culture, Charlotte Sladek
• charlotte.sladek@vorwerk.ch

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