Schou is looking for a Category Buyer – Outdoor Furniture

Be part of developing tomorrow's outdoor assortment and strengthen our global supplier network.

We are seeking a commercially strong and strategic Category Buyer for our Outdoor Furniture team. You are motivated by finding new suppliers, creating strong partnerships and developing competitive products that make a difference for some of Europe's largest retailers.

Outdoor Furniture is one of Schou's key business units, and we are now investing further in the organization to strengthen our sourcing capacity, create greater supply security and ensure continued growth. Therefore we are seeking a Category Buyer who can help strengthen our global supplier network, optimize purchasing work and contribute to strong commercial results.

The department currently consists of 11 employees, and this position reports to Category Manager, Brian Knudsen.

Purpose of the position

As a Category Buyer you will be a central part of the development of our Outdoor Furniture category (OU). You will be responsible for your own product areas and will work closely with the OU purchasing team, Quality, Compliance and Sales to ensure competitive ranges with focus on price, quality and innovation.

Your main tasks

You will play a central role in both daily operations and the strategic development of the category. Your areas of responsibility will include:

• Source and develop collaboration with existing and new international suppliers.
• Negotiate prices, terms and collaboration agreements with a focus on strong commercial results.
• Ensure competitive products through a combination of market insight, analyses and sound commercial judgment.
• Work targeted on cost-down activities and optimization of existing assortments.
• Identify alternative suppliers and factories to reduce supplier risk and strengthen supply security.
• Drive product transfers and supplier changes in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of new products and assortments based on trends, customer needs and market data.
• Travel to suppliers in the Far East and international trade fairs in Europe and Asia as a natural part of the job. Expect 35-40 days of travel activity per year.

We envision that you

• Have experience from an international purchasing function, preferably within furniture, outdoor, interior or similar product categories.
• Have strong competencies in sourcing, negotiating and supplier development.
• Work in a structured manner and be able to drive progress in complex projects.
• Be analytically strong and motivated by turning data into concrete commercial results.
• Have a natural business understanding and strong commercial sense.
• Thrive in an international environment with many touchpoints.
• Are a skilled relationship builder capable of establishing long-term partnerships.
• Communicate fluently in English, both written and spoken.

Come aboard

At Schou you will become part of a healthy family-owned company. Our employees are our most important asset, and therefore we do our best to ensure you thrive in your role.

Schou's values are not just words on paper - they are part of our daily life and the way we work together. “We succeed together,” because the best solutions are created when we share knowledge, support each other and dare to invite others in. “We take ownership” and responsibility all the way from idea to result and act with clarity and decisiveness. And “We create the good deal,” because commercial acumen is part of our DNA - always with focus on creating real value for customers, partners and each other.

With us you become part of a community where there is room for ambition, respect for diversity and focus on making the complex simple. We keep the pace, celebrate successes and believe that well-being, trust and good collaboration are the foundation for strong and lasting results.

In addition we offer a host of employee benefits, including

• Flexibility – with the possibility to work from home.
• Employee events, both summer and winter.
• A tasty lunch and fruit scheme.
• An attractive health scheme.

Would you also like to be part of Schou?

Can you see yourself in the above and wish to participate in Schou's exciting development? Then send your application via the link below. We conduct interviews on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to close the posting when the right candidate is found. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Category Manager, Brian Knudsen at tel. +45 4015 0773.

Schou is the Nordic region's largest supplier of non-food products for home and garden. Our headquarters are in Kolding together with a 6,000 m² showroom, and we operate over 80,000 m² of warehouse in Vision Park, Kolding, where our headquarters are also located. We have purchasing office in China and sales offices in Norway, Sweden, South Africa and Germany, as well as significant exports to the rest of Europe. We aim to make a difference for our customers and be their shortcut to success.

By integrating social, environmental and ethical considerations into our business strategy and operations, our goal is to ensure a sustainable and profitable business.

At Schou we strive for a balanced work-life with a focus on employee well-being and meaningful work. We want to treat our employees well and be the best place for the best employees. In Vision Park we have facilities such as padel and pickleball courts as well as a fitness center available for our employees. At Schou you become part of a dynamic everyday life in an inspiring environment with ample opportunities for professional and personal development.

We encourage all interested to apply, regardless of age, gender, disability, religion or ethnic origin.

Read more at www.schou.com

Application deadline

Ongoing