BASEL OFFICE - Manager Purchasing Land Operations (Hotel Buyer)

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• The Purchasing Land Operations Manager (Hotel Buyer) works in a small team responsible for contracting hotel allotments for Viking’s river cruises.

• The position reports to the Director of Purchasing, Land Operations Department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Negotiate and finalize contracts, continuously monitor contract performance to ensure compliance and optimal outcomes and identify and evaluate new potential hotel partners.

• Conduct thorough inspections of hotel partners, often on short notice, to ensure they meet our high standards. Establish and maintain strategic business relationships with key contacts.

• Develop and nurture strong internal relationships with Land Operations Managers to ensure seamless coordination and communication.

• Continuously refine and enhance purchasing methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Secure hotel rooms, including food and beverage services, as part of contingency planning for unforeseen events such as floods, low water levels, etc.

• Utilize detailed reports and statistical analysis to track and evaluate purchasing performance and hotel quality, providing actionable insights.

• Ensure the accurate and efficient processing of payments and invoices, maintaining financial integrity.

• Undertake any additional tasks as requested by the company.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in hotel procurement or a related field.

• Ability to manage multiple contracts, deadlines, and details simultaneously.

• Expertise in negotiating favorable terms and conditions, understanding industry standards, and leveraging data to support negotiation points.

• Clear and concise communication, both written and verbal, to articulate needs and listen actively to hotel partners.

• Ability to establish clear objectives, prioritize needs, and develop multiple negotiation scenarios.

• Building and maintaining strong, strategic business relationships with key suppliers.

• Ability to analyze market trends, pricing, and hotel performance to make informed decisions.

• Proactive in anticipating and addressing potential issues before they arise.

• Flexibility to handle last-minute changes and challenges with composure and efficiency.

• Proficiency in using Excel and PowerPoint.

• Willingness to travel across Europe for hotel inspections (up to 20% annually).

• Availability on occasional weekends for emergency duty.

• High proficiency in English (written/spoken); additional European languages are a plus.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

For more details about this position us under +41 61 638 60 11

*Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered*