Job Description
Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.
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.
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.
KEY 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
Education and professional experience
- 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 English and German
- Experience with data analytics tools or AI-enabled purchasing solutions (advantageous)
Soft skills and 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
E-Mail: [email protected]