International Trade Manager FMCG Private Label

The business focus of AMS is sourcing, negotiating and contracting on behalf of and in close collaboration with its partners. Within AMS there are three Trade Teams; Fresh & Frozen, Food & Beverage and Non- & Near Food. The teams are responsible for the sourcing of private label products; from premium range to standard and economy range in various categories.

The Trade Manager reports to the Trade Director and works closely with a Trade Assistant. The overall job objective is to initiate, manage and execute joint buying amongst AMS shareholders and distributors by directing the complete sourcing process of defined product groups and projects under the best commercial conditions (price, availability, quality, logistics and financial). These tasks are done in line with the buying, assortment and logistic policies of the AMS owners.

The Trade manager works in a very international environment in close cooperation with the responsible retail buyer and/or category manager of the member food retailers.

Key result areas

• Defines in cooperation with Trade Director and partners sourcing strategies for named product group/ tenders/ projects
• Follows the trends and developments in the named purchase markets
• Continuously benchmarking negotiated conditions
• Up-to-date knowledge of key cost drivers within the area of responsibility
• Joint sourcing and buying of Euro Shopper and Private labels including tender preparations, coordination and execution of the negotiations, administration and formulation of the buying contracts with multinational suppliers
• Is accountable for a structured, defined and approved sourcing process and goals.
• Established an efficient discussion line with the Shareholder Category manager, Sourcing managers and Buyers. This task requires an active approach to meet partners in their home countries and to arrange agreed partners and supplier visits. Traveling is therefore required
• Initiate new business opportunity and activities in line with the company policy and main responsibilities. Proposes new opportunities to Trade Director
• Guiding a work of named Trade Assistant

Education: University degree in business economics or commercial management

Experience: At least 3 years retail experience (sourcing, buying, commercial, FMCG).

Personality/skills:

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Results driven
• Flexible, ability to work in a multi format operation
• Analytical and precise
• Team player
• Able to work in a multicultural environment
• Service minded
• Traveling is required

Language: English as a working language. Others language skills are on advantage (Dutch, German, French, any or Nordic languages)

The opportunity to understand the competitive world of sourcing private label goods for European retailers and to gain understanding of the dynamics of the raw material markets and insight in the value chain of various products.

A challenging, exciting and truly international job with good prospects for advancement within AMS for the right candidates.

Excellent base salary + bonus + car and hybrid presence (50/50) in the office at Schiphol