Associate Buyer

They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. At the Store Support Center, we’re in the business of serving those who serve our guests. Whether you’re designing solutions, telling our story, or setting our teams up for success, your work makes a difference every single day. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here…we’re all in good company. Essential Duties And Responsibilities What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment Category Ownership & Strategy Own a defined product category or subcategory, including assortment strategy, vendor matrix, and financial performance Develop and execute seasonal and annual assortment plans aligned to customer needs, brand positioning, and business goals Champion the guest perspective in all assortment decisions, ensuring products deliver on value, storytelling, and in-store experience Product Development & Assortment Curation Identify product opportunities through trend analysis, competitive shopping, and sales insights Lead product ideation and development, translating trends and customer insights into compelling, differentiated assortments Curate assortments across newness, core replenishment, and SKU rationalization to maximize productivity and growth Build assortments optimized for both store and digital channels, incorporating customer behavior and purchase patterns Financial Ownership & Inventory Management Co-own OTB, receipt flow, and inventory investment decisions with Planning to deliver on sales, margin, and turn targets Apply retail math and analytical insights to balance growth, profitability, and inventory productivity Monitor category performance and proactively adjust strategy based on business trends In-Season Business Management Drive rapid, data-informed decisions on reorders, markdowns, consolidations, and product exits to optimize financial outcomes Manage end-of-life strategies, including markdown optimization and SKU rationalization Continuously evaluate top vs. bottom performing SKUs and take decisive action to improve productivity Vendor Strategy & Management Own vendor relationships for assigned categories, including sourcing, negotiations, cost management, and performance reviews Build and evolve the vendor matrix to ensure the right mix of strategic partners and productivity drivers Partner with vendors on innovation, product development, and cost optimization opportunities Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate closely with Planning, Allocation, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Store Operations to bring assortments to market effectively Present category strategies, performance insights, and recommendations to leadership Influence cross-functional decisions through strong communication and business insight Preferred Experience And Education Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field 3+ years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or related functions Experience owning or significantly influencing a product category or assortment Experience with assortment planning and forecasting tools Experience in multi-channel retail (store + e-commerce) Experience working directly with vendors on product development or sourcing Knowledge And Skills Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales, inventory, and financial data Solid understanding of retail math, margins, and inventory management principles Demonstrated ability to own or influence a category, assortment decisions, or key business outcomes Strong product judgment with a balance of trend awareness, customer insight, and commercial instincts Ability to make decisions by combining data, intuition, and brand perspective Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills Strong communication and cross-functional leadership capabilities Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and retail/merchandising systems Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment High attention to detail and strong organizational skills Focus on You Good Work Deserves Good Pay: Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Bonus Opportunities Support That Goes Beyond the Clock: Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1| Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program Grow and Thrive Your Way: Business Resource Groups | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development Culture of Belonging: Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive | Recognition programs and employee events that bring us together Invest in Your Future: 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program More Perks, Just Because: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items | Exclusive Biscuit Perks like discounts on home, travel, cell phones, and more! A Little About Us Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal. Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr