Buyer

Buyer

Reports to : Category Manager

Position Summary
The Buyer reports to the Category Manager and is responsible for purchasing inventory across various categories, primarily dropship, to maintain the company's in-stock levels and competitive market position. Decisions will be data-driven and aligned with market trends, customer demands, and financial objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Purchasing & Inventory Management
• Manage dropship and forward-season purchasing processes for store-level inventory across multiple product categories in collaboration with the Category Manager(s).
• Utilize data and analytics to drive purchasing decisions, ensuring alignment with the local nuances and demands of individual stores.
• Forecast inventory purchase levels in partnership with the Category Manager(s) to accommodate upcoming seasonal, marketing, and promotional events.
Vendor Relations & Negotiations
• Leverage the company's purchasing power to negotiate pricing, terms, and logistics to optimize financial, operational, and customer satisfaction goals.
Data Analysis & Reporting
• Collaborate with Category Manager(s) and Analyst(s) to track and analyze sales metrics and promotional performance for better forecasting and inventory management.
• Prepare and distribute effective communications regarding purchases, markdowns, receiving, and inventory adjustments to relevant parties.
Operational Collaboration
• Work closely with the Operations team to address inventory levels, overages, out-of-stocks, and ordering issues within stores.
• Partner with the OPE Manager for purchases related to associated categories.

Compliance & Administration
• Ensure compliance with governmental regulations and company policies, standards, and procedures.
Skills, Requirements, and Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
• Two years of purchasing experience required, with familiarity in hardware retailing highly desirable.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in business, supply chain or marketing, preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong mathematical skills for calculating discounts, proportions, gross margins, percentages, and other related metrics.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication and collaboration with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Reliable personal vehicle and a history of safe operation (mileage reimbursement available).
• Must pass a satisfactory background check and controlled substance screening.
Preferred Skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.
• Capability to work independently with little supervision.
• Cross-functional collaboration skills to work effectively with store teams and managers to drive sales.
Physical Demands
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Physical ability to perform tasks requiring standing, bending, and reaching.

Travel
• Occasional travel (less than 10%) may include store visits and trade shows.

Office Environment

Hybrid position: 4 days in office, 1 day work from home. Offices located in either Independence, OH or Wooster, OH.

Pay Range: $45,500 - $54,600 per year