Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant

The Buying Assistant is responsible for product SKU creation, special order processing, and the ongoing maintenance and publication of SKUs on the company website. This role requires a strong understanding of cost structures, retail pricing, freight, tariffs, and profit margins.

Key responsibilities include working across multiple systems, including the GERS point-of-sale system, our internal database Cantoni DS and our website Cantoni.com. Domestic and international price lists are used in conjunction with internal data, to accurately place customer orders and develop SKUs for inventory and online listings.

A working knowledge of ecommerce and product page maintenance is preferred as this position involves managing website SKUs, updating internal databases, and ensuring accurate product information is published online. Accuracy is essential, as SKU data directly impacts the website, showroom samples, customer orders, pricing policies, vendor relationships, and overall profitability.

This role collaborates closely with the buying team, designers, and the web team, and involves cross-training and supporting buyers and other team members as requested.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Communicate with designers to secure documentation and specifications for special orders and SKU creation.
• Create SKUs for stock and e-commerce, ensuring accuracy in formatting, costing, freight and margins.
• Manage end-to-end SKU lifecycles within Cantoni DS and Cantoni.com, including price adjustments, discontinued items, and formatting updates.
• Execute the digital publishing process to ensure new products are correctly formatted and posted to the web.
• Collaborate with Buying and Marketing teams to provide product data and assets for promotional campaigns.
• Field designer inquiries regarding product, pricing, samples and requests for samples.
• Participate in photo studio reviews, capturing critical data points such as dimensions, assembly requirements, and updates to Cantoni DS.
• Provide support to design teams regarding product specifications, pricing, and sample procurement.
• Run, process and categorize monthly reports for vendors provided by buyers.
• Assist buyers on projects and other assignments as requested.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in general administrative operations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites, e.g. Word, excel, adobe, websites and web-based systems.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• The ability to learn and work with multiple systems, to work independently and collaboratively.
• Detail oriented with an emphasis on accuracy.

Preferred:

• GERS (GE Retail Sales database) knowledge.
• Experience in the furniture industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The noise level in the primary work environment is usually moderate i.e., business office with computer printer, and light traffic. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

Physical Capacities & Environmental Conditions:

Employees are subject to the risks inherent in working in an office facility. Employees must be able to read, write legibly and communicate verbally. The position requires the ability to bend, lift, stoop, sit on the floor and pull in various directions when working with equipment. Employees must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, reach overhead and to the floor. This position requires the employee to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; the use of close vision; the ability to talk and hear; and the ability to operate in an environment with moderate noise (such as in a business office with computers and printers).

Intellectual Property Rights:

The incumbent in this job is subject to all provisions of Cantoni Intellectual Property Rights Policy. Upon conception, all Inventions, Confidential Information, and Copyright Works will become the property of Cantoni whether or not patent or copyright registration applications are filed for such subject matter.