Sample Coordinator

Karsten International; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Travel allowance / OV card

13th month & 8% holiday pay

Daily lunch

Bootcamp & sports

Bike lease

Well-being program

Job summary

Karsten International in Amsterdam is seeking a highly organized Sample Coordinator to manage day-to-day handling and movement of product samples across the organization. You will lift, sort, store, and track samples, support multiple departments, maintain showroom spaces, and ensure quality before storage or shipment.

This hands-on role emphasizes structure, ownership, and reliable administrative processes.

Qualifications

• MBO education in Business, Logistics, or similar is a plus.
• 2–3 years’ experience in inventory, sample handling, or related roles.
• Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Familiar with inventory systems; Excel knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Track sample status updates for PJM projects in Vendor Portal.
• Maintain accurate records of sample movements and storage locations.
• Act as main contact between departments regarding sample management and logistics.
• Prepare, pack, and dispatch samples for various departments.
• Manage showroom, storage facilities, and sample inventories.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Detail oriented

Good communication

Teamwork

Excel knowledge

Education

MBO education in Business, Logistics, or similar

Tools

Inventory systems

Excel

Job description

We are looking for a highly organized and proactive Sample Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you are responsible for the day-to-day handling and movement of product samples across the organization. You make sure samples are received, unpacked, sorted, stored, and placed in the right location at the right time, so that teams across Buying, PJM, Sales, Quality, and Sourcing can easily access what they need.

This is a very hands-on role in which you are actively working with samples throughout the day, including lifting, moving, unpacking boxes, organizing storage areas, and maintaining the showroom and sample spaces. A large part of your work is physical and operational, combined with keeping basic tracking and administration accurate and up to date.

The role is ideal for someone who enjoys structure, is practical and hands-on, and takes ownership of keeping the sample flow organized and running smoothly.

Job overview:

Administration & Coordination

• Track sample status updates for all PJM projects in Vendor Portal.

• Maintain accurate records of sample movements, storage locations, and project clean-up activities.

• Act as the main point of contact between departments regarding sample management and logistics.

• Approve monthly shipping invoices/payments received from Finance.

• Support onboarding of new employees regarding sample processes and storage procedures.

• Monitor and follow up on FedEx shipments.

• Register and manage photography samples.

• Receive, organise, rotate all inbound samples (PP, MP, QIMA, Photography, and Sourcing samples).

• Ensure that all samples are inspected for quality before storage or shipment, and that any defective or outdated samples are discarded or flagged.

• Record and physically manage QIMA samples and coordinate project sample clean-up with PJMs and Buyers.

Storage, Showroom & Inventory Management

• Prepare, pack, and dispatch samples for Buying/PJM/Sales departments.

• Coordinate Active Ants and De Zwaluw sample shipments.

• Organise and coordinate the monthly Opkoper (reseller) collection.

• Manage the showroom, including organisation, cleanliness, maintenance, and restocking.

• Manage external storage facilities and maintain sample inventories.

• Order and maintain packaging materials and supplies.

• Support the Quality team with sample disposal, lab organisation, and general housekeeping activities.

• Regularly review and dispose of samples together with Buyers and PJMs.

Requirements:

• MBO education in Business, Logistics, or similar is a plus.

• 2–3 years’ experience in inventory, sample handling, or related roles.

• Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks.

• Familiar with inventory systems; Excel knowledge is a plus.

Knowledge

• Understanding of inventory/sample tracking best practices and basic warehouse/logistics processes.

• Eager to improve and structure sample management processes.

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong time management and problem-solving skills.

• Good communication and teamwork across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift and move packages.

• Comfortable standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods.

Who we are?

Karsten International develops a wide range of products for daily use, from the latest gadgets to sustainable beauty products. You name it, we make it. In addition to working hard and delivering quality, enjoyment and collegiality are our top priorities. The team consists of driven product developers, sales experts, logistics talents, online marketing specialists and graphic designers. Thanks to a broad international network and more than ten years of experience, we are winning the hearts of consumers all over the world with our products. You will be given every opportunity to contribute to this.

What you can expect from us:

At Karsten International you will join a supportive, ambitious team where we work hard, stay sharp, and enjoy what we do. We are growing fast, so there’s plenty of room to share ideas, take ownership, and really make an impact. We communicate openly, help each other out, and keep things direct but respectful.

What we offer:

• Plenty of space for personal growth, ownership and continuous improvement

• Excellent pension scheme

• Travel allowance or OV card, 13th month & 8% holiday pay

• Daily fresh lunch, fruit, and great coffee

• Bootcamp, yoga, football team

• Option to lease a bike

• OpenUp for mental well-being + massage at the office

• Discounts on great products & fun company outings

• Easily accessible office in Amsterdam

• Support with HSM visa and 30% ruling (if applicable)

Our core values (woven into how we work together):

• Efficient & cost-conscious: We manage time and resources smartly, think critically and value what’s already in place.

• Ambitious with long‑term focus: We take ownership, build lasting relationships and stay humble in our success.

• Striving for the best: We measure, learn, improve—and challenge each other to exceed expectations.

• Direct & respectful: We communicate openly and treat everyone with respect, regardless of background.

• We like to have fun: We enjoy what we do and create a positive, energetic work environment.