International Trade Manager Private Label FMCG

The business focus of AMS-Sourcing is sourcing, negotiating and contracting on behalf of and in close collaboration with its partners. Within AMS-Sourcing 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-Sourcing 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-Sourcing 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 an advantage (Dutch, German, French, any or Nordic languages)

AMS Sourcing is an Amsterdam-based, strategic-buying alliance that currently works on behalf of 10 top European and North American food retailers representing over 17.500 stores realising app € 150 billion retail sales in 22 countries. By sourcing private label FMCG commodities on an international scale, AMS retail partners are able to provide shoppers with greater value for money. AMS connects companies to the benefit of all. It opens new buying markets and creates valuable economies of scale for its retail partners, while giving suppliers access to larger volumes and new markets. With more than 25 years’ experience in international sourcing, AMS has built up unprecedented expertise in this field, as well as a strong and extensive professional network of industry leaders and suppliers. In the middle of their playing field at Schiphol Airport a dedicated and passionated team of 50 fte, representing 17 nationalities, is working to realize “Buying Together Better”.