Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Running & trail running enthusiast
Timeline
Generic

Svenja Hofe

Senior Buyer
Berlin

Summary

Senior Buyer with extensive international experience across three continents, adept at driving procurement strategies and optimizing vendor relationships. Skilled in vendor negotiations, inventory management, and cost analysis, with a proven track record of delivering quality products on time. Known for a strategic mindset and strong market research capabilities, I am a self-starter with an inquisitive approach who easily fosters positive and collaborative work environments. Flexible and dependable, I thrive in fast-paced settings and am committed to achieving results through teamwork and adaptability.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
4029
4029
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language

Work History

Buyer, Premium Fashion & Accessories

Zalando SE
Berlin
05.2018 - Current
  • Created and implemented procurement strategies for one of Europe’s leading e-commerce retailers, aligning assortment sourcing with business objectives and budget parameters.
  • Managed key relationships with top accounts and suppliers, driving long-term success and strategic partnership growth.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, resulting in improved cost-efficiency across product lines.
  • Trained and mentored junior buyers in negotiation tactics and assortment planning, cultivating a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Junior Buyer, Bags & Accessories

brands4friends (eBay Inc./ eBay GmbH)
Berlin
06.2017 - 04.2018
  • Analyzed market trends and vendor pricing to make informed purchasing decisions that aligned with organizational goals.
  • Managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and ensure timely delivery of goods.

Merchandising Assistant, Accessories

Ralph Lauren Corporation
New York, NY
10.2015 - 05.2016
  • Assisted the Senior Vice President in the development and execution of merchandise plans by analyzing sales data and market trends to optimize product assortment.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to coordinate product launches, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with marketing strategies.

Graduate Student Intern in Retail Buying

Bottega Veneta, Kering
New York, NY
06.2015 - 08.2015
  • Analyzed sales performance and sell-through data to support line building, product positioning, and global buying strategies; contributed to optimizing in-store collection performance through data-driven assortment planning and market insights.

Graduate Student Intern in International Wholesale

Oscar de la Renta
New York, NY
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Collaborated on buying appointments with senior account executives; maintained and analyzed purchase orders post-market, and compiled detailed account recaps.

Assistant Merchandiser, Private Labels

Zalando SE
Berlin
02.2012 - 04.2013
  • Analyzed market trends and sales data to forecast demand and build strategic product assortments that align with brand and seasonal goals.
  • Worked with buying, design, and planning teams to manage inventory, pricing, and product placement, helping boost sales and profit margins.

Honours Programme Student in Production

Intersport Int.
Shenzhen
03.2011 - 06.2011
  • Conducted risk analysis for a sample consolidation project and led supplier interviews at production facilities in China for one of Europe’s largest sporting goods retailers.

Education

Fashion Merchandising And Retail Management, MPS -

LIM College
New York City, NY
08-2015

Bachelor of Fashion Technology - International Fashion & Management

Hogeschool Van Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
06-2012

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Pricing negotiations

Supplier communication

Vendor negotiation

Purchase order management

Strategic sourcing

Purchasing strategies

Retail merchandise buying

Problem-solving aptitude

Active listening

Multitasking

Adaptability and flexibility

Contract negotiation

Vendor relations

Strategic planning

Running & trail running enthusiast

Passionate runner, regularly competing in half marathons and other race events.

Timeline

Buyer, Premium Fashion & Accessories

Zalando SE
05.2018 - Current

Junior Buyer, Bags & Accessories

brands4friends (eBay Inc./ eBay GmbH)
06.2017 - 04.2018

Merchandising Assistant, Accessories

Ralph Lauren Corporation
10.2015 - 05.2016

Graduate Student Intern in Retail Buying

Bottega Veneta, Kering
06.2015 - 08.2015

Graduate Student Intern in International Wholesale

Oscar de la Renta
01.2015 - 05.2015

Assistant Merchandiser, Private Labels

Zalando SE
02.2012 - 04.2013

Honours Programme Student in Production

Intersport Int.
03.2011 - 06.2011

Fashion Merchandising And Retail Management, MPS -

LIM College

Bachelor of Fashion Technology - International Fashion & Management

Hogeschool Van Amsterdam
Svenja HofeSenior Buyer