Junior Purchasing

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and offers destination-focused cruises on oceans, rivers and lakes worldwide. Designed for experienced travellers with an interest in science, history, culture and cuisine, chairman Torstein Hagen often says that Viking offers experiences for the thinking person®. Viking has received more than 450 awards to date, including being named No. 1 for rivers, No. 1 for oceans and No. 1 for expeditions by Condé Nast Traveller in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking was also voted number one in its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received the same accolades from both publications at the same time. Viking offers a fast-growing and dynamic working environment and flexible working hours. Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Germany or are in possession of a valid work permit.

Overview

OBJECTIVE OF THIS ROLE

As a Junior Purchasing within the Technical Operations River (TOR), you will support Maintenance & Repair Operations for Viking’s fleet of 80+ river ships. Reporting to the Manager Purchasing, you will collaborate with technical department leadership, logistics teams, vendors and key stakeholders to ensure timely availability of spare parts and technical materials, adherence to quality and compliance with negotiated contracts and financial targets. This position is based in Cologne and includes occasional business travel to suppliers, and operational hubs in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement activities for technical spare parts and consumables required for ship maintenance and repair
• Assist in supplier selection and contract preparation in line with evolving requirements
• Monitor ship orders and warehouse stock levels, reporting deviations promptly
• Build and maintain strong supplier and stakeholder relationships
• Coordinate with logistics and technical teams to guarantee smooth end-to-end supply chain
• Conduct ad-hoc purchasing analyses to support decision-making and cost control
• Contribute to purchasing strategy development
• Maintain and update Viking’s Purchasing System (ERP) with accurate item, pricing, and logistics data; ensure data integrity for audit readiness

Key Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, engineering, or equivalent experience
• Initial work experience through internships or student roles
• Strong interest in building a career in Supply Chain Management
• Basic understanding of technical spare parts and components used in marine operations
• Knowledge of customs clearance and dangerous goods documentation (preferred)
• Strong communication skills in English and German
• Experience with data analytics tools or AI-enabled purchasing solutions (advantageous)

Soft Skills & Others

• Customer oriented, pro-active, enthusiastic and flexible with interpersonal skills
• Self-starter with a can-do and open mindset
• Analytical skills, comfortable in a dynamic environment
• Ability to effectively challenge and tactfully influence stakeholders
• Fluency in English and German is essential

We Offer

• An interesting and varied role in a modern working environment, as well as other benefits (such as annual company outings, free drinks, job bike, health days, further training, language courses, employer contribution to the company pension scheme (BAV), Wellpass, etc. Option for hybrid working)

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents, stating your salary expectations and your earliest possible starting date. Start with us and take on challenging tasks in a skilled and highly motivated team. Convince us with your commitment and personality and send your application – preferably by e-mail to:

Viking Technical GmbH, Personalabteilung, Industriepark 17, 56291 Wiebelsheim

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