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Knivesandtools / KATO Group is a European e-commerce player. In the niche of kitchen knives, pocket knives, outdoor gear, and sharpening products, we are the top player in Europe. We are looking for an additional buyer / category buyer. Along with the other two category buyers, you will ensure that our assortment is effectively in stock for our customers. Additionally, you will assist the category manager in coordinating with our suppliers.

What we have to offer:

• A procurement role with a lot of responsibility.

• Working with state-of-the-art software in e-commerce.

• An international procurement role.

• A lot of dealmaking and enjoyable contacts with suppliers.

• A high level of autonomy and a genuine part of the procurement team.

• You have the freedom to propose promotions or discuss more favorable

procurement terms.

• Inspiring visits to suppliers and trade shows.

• An ambitious company with a relaxed work environment and a young group of

professionals.

• A competitive salary.

• Better coffee than the average trendy coffee shop.

What will you do?

You will manage the daily administrative procurement process by placing orders. As a buyer, it is your responsibility to maintain optimal inventory levels. To do this, you will work with advanced forecasting software (Optiply) and review the proposed purchase orders yourself. After placing orders, you will process updates regarding the arrival of products in the system. This allows our customers to know when backorders will be delivered. You’ll be updating the status of orders and proceed the administrative part of the orders that have been delivered. In addition to ordering, you will focus on the terms under which we purchase our products. You will seek the best procurement channels and make deals with suppliers on promotions.

For an e-commerce company like Knivesandtools, efficient inventory management, a strictly managed administration and the quick delivery of products are essential. On the one hand, we want to have all products in stock, but on the other hand, we must not let our inventory levels become too high. To optimize inventory, you will work with suppliers, other buyers, the warehouse, our controller, and the category manager. Therefore, you need to have a good understanding of an e-commerce company. You need to be administratively strong and able to work punctually. And you will have extensive contact with our suppliers and initiate actions with them. Together with the category manager, you will sell our marketing efforts to the brands.You will meet foreign suppliers at international trade shows, so it is essential that you speak English well. The daily communication with suppliers is also in English. You will also understand how a distribution chain works. We prefer to source everything directly from the manufacturers. If that is not possible, we assess which supplier offers the best conditions.

Key responsibilities:

• Contact with brands / suppliers of private brands / distributors.

• Ordering products based on proposals.

• Administrative processing of orders

• Tracking delivery statuses.

• Keeping a sharp eye on the latest products.

• Negotiating contracts with suppliers.

• Analyzing inventory positions.

• Improving our procurement and inventory software.

• Continuously optimizing conditions.

• Attending important trade shows.

Who are you?

We are looking for someone with some procurement experience who understands the dynamics of e-commerce. You are highly organized, excel in administrative tasks, are street-smart, confident in negotiations, and assertive. You also understand the importance of having a good relationship with our suppliers and pay great attention to details.This job is suitable for a moderately experienced buyer with knowledge of retail and e-commerce who is highly motivated by optimization. Your analytical skills, accuracy, work ethic, commercial abilities, and quick decision-making skills will be continually tested. You can work in a structured and organized manner and are a social colleague. You are a skilled communicator, commercially savvy, and well-versed in procurement. Ideally, you live in the Apeldoorn area or are willing to relocate there. We work in the

office with all colleagues.

Competencies of the ideal candidate:

• Interest in e-commerce and a preference for online retail.

• Commercial and analytical thinking.

• Organized and administratively strong.

• Street-smart negotiator.

• Preferred: Procurement experience in a B2C, retail, or other relevant

environment.

• Eagerness to further develop in procurement, online retail, and marketing.

• Understanding of procurement, finance, and administration.

• Precise, structured, and independent worker.

• Good communicator.

• Language skills: Dutch & English > fluent / German is a plus