Nurcan Talu
Allenwinden
Summary
Results-driven procurement and category management leader with over 20 years’ international experience in strategic sourcing, product development, and supplier relationship management. Adept at designing and executing data-driven assortment and trade marketing strategies across FMCG, Beauty & Care, Toys, and Home & Lifestyle. I have led initiatives from developing sustainable procurement frameworks for major retailers (including Schlecker, VIP.com, and Lidl) to managing OEM production in cosmetics. With a proven record in overseeing diverse product portfolios—from LEGO and Simba to baby product assortments—I possess deep market insights and a hands-on leadership style. Based in Zug, I am eager to contribute my expertise to a dynamic, growing organization like MacGregor Black.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Leader Sourcing & Procurement
Swiss-Commerce AG
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Developed and optimized private label procurement for 20 diverse segments including agriculture, home & lifestyle, equestrian, and cosmetics
- Built and managed a global supplier network in Asia and Europe, leading contract negotiations and improving supplier terms
- Implemented data-driven assortment strategies and coordinated cross-functional teams to support e-commerce growth
Freelance Sourcing Consultant
Freelance
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Advised on sourcing critical health supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including projects for the Swiss Army and EU distribution of rapid tests
- Researched new vendors and partners to obtain most cost-effective pricing for goods.
- Participated in cross-functional activities to spark innovation, break bureaucratic boundaries and reduce production cycle times.
- Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing and finalized contracts.
Head of Procurement & E-Commerce (Commercial Director)
Müller AG
07.2019 - 12.2019
- Led procurement and e-commerce teams for FMCG, beauty, Toys, Home& Lifestyle, Kitchen and health products in a complex, multi-country operation
- Oversaw Chinese cross-border business development, optimizing product assortments and managing a large-scale workforce
- Participated in meetings with producers and production crew to keep program in step with creative vision.
- Developed strategic initiatives based upon company objectives aimed at accelerating growth.
Head of Sourcing & Business Development Europe
VIP.com
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Spearheaded the strategic development of retail business models for one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms
- Built a European supplier pool for premium brands in fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and baby/home products
- Managed international negotiations and guided product assortment and pricing strategies
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Director Sourcing & Procurement EMEA
Groupon Goods International
02.2013 - 09.2017
- Centralized procurement processes for 25 countries, driving cost efficiency and profitability
- Introduced vendor scorecards and implemented a unified strategy across the EMEA region
Managing Director Procurement & Marketing
Schlecker E-Commerce/Homeshopping
08.2010 - 12.2012
- Held overall responsibility for FMCG, beauty, kitchen, home, baby, and toy assortments
- Category Management for Toys: Led a dedicated team managing the toy segment, working with renowned brands—from LEGO to Simba Group—and baby outfitters
- Conducted online KPI analysis at both assortment and product levels, identifying optimization potentials and executing targeted promotional campaigns (including action and WKZ allocation)
- Coordinated with the procurement department and external suppliers to continuously refine the assortment and implement innovative merchandising measures
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Executive Buyer – Textiles & Shoes
Bonus / LIDL Stiftung & Co. KG
03.2007 - 07.2010
- Reoriented the textile procurement strategy, introducing sustainable and social standards for private label collections
- Launched new product lines (e.g., Crivit and Esmara) and scaled collections across 28 European markets through rigorous supplier negotiations and quality control
- Identified trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes and execution.
- Prepared annual data to determine metrics for operational performance.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
Senior Buyer – Baby, Kiko & Wäsche
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
02.2003 - 09.2007
- Managed European market assortment strategies, demand forecasting, and supplier negotiations for high-volume categories
Head of Procurement
KiK Textil Diskont
07.2002 - 01.2003
- Oversaw textile and non-food procurement and built supplier relationships in a fast-paced discount retail environment
Head of Procurement – Textiles & Sports
Otto Gruppe
11.2000 - 06.2002
- Developed product collections and assortment strategies for mail-order operations
Buyer & Disponent – Textiles
Neckermann Versand AG
04.1992 - 10.2000
- Responsible for purchasing and inventory management, driving efficiency in the textile category
Key Account Manager – Textiles & Sports
REZO-IPAS Produktions & Handels GmbH
08.1989 - 01.1992
- Managed key accounts and developed strategic supplier relationships within the textiles and sports sectors
- Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth.
- Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position products and services.
Education
Diploma - Business Administration
VWA
Frankfurt, DE09.2000
Studies - Law
Goethe University
Frankfurt, DE07.1996
Skills
- Strategic Category Management
- Trade Marketing & POS Campaigns
- Global Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Data-Driven Analysis
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Change & Process Optimization
- Digital Procurement
- E-commerce Strategies
- Change Management
- Sustainable Supplier Partnerships
- Analytical Skills
- Market Trends
- Consumer Behavior
Training
- Brand Building & Boosting with KOL, Marketing & Content Business/SEO at VIPshop University, Guangzhou
- Supply Chain & Logistics Training, Walmart Academy, Bentonville
Languages
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Turkish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
French
Beginner (A1)
Additional Skills
- Extensive experience in digital procurement and e-commerce strategies.
- Proven track record in change management and developing sustainable supplier partnerships.
- Strong analytical skills and a keen sense for market trends and consumer behavior.
This comprehensive CV highlights my full career journey—emphasizing strategic category management, successful procurement projects (including the toy segment at Schlecker), and deep expertise in both trade marketing and supplier management. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with the Category Manager role.
Closing Statement
This comprehensive CV highlights my full career journey—emphasizing strategic category management, successful procurement projects (including the toy segment at Schlecker), and deep expertise in both trade marketing and supplier management. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with the Category Manager role at MacGregor Black.
Timeline
Project Leader Sourcing & Procurement
Swiss-Commerce AG
05.2022 - 07.2024
Freelance Sourcing Consultant
Freelance
01.2020 - 03.2022
Head of Procurement & E-Commerce (Commercial Director)
Müller AG
07.2019 - 12.2019
Head of Sourcing & Business Development Europe
VIP.com
10.2017 - 06.2019
Director Sourcing & Procurement EMEA
Groupon Goods International
02.2013 - 09.2017
Managing Director Procurement & Marketing
Schlecker E-Commerce/Homeshopping
08.2010 - 12.2012
Executive Buyer – Textiles & Shoes
Bonus / LIDL Stiftung & Co. KG
03.2007 - 07.2010
Senior Buyer – Baby, Kiko & Wäsche
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
02.2003 - 09.2007
Head of Procurement
KiK Textil Diskont
07.2002 - 01.2003
Head of Procurement – Textiles & Sports
Otto Gruppe
11.2000 - 06.2002
Buyer & Disponent – Textiles
Neckermann Versand AG
04.1992 - 10.2000
Key Account Manager – Textiles & Sports
REZO-IPAS Produktions & Handels GmbH
08.1989 - 01.1992
Studies - Law
Goethe University
Diploma - Business Administration
VWA
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