Associate Buyer

This position is responsible for supporting the buyer in all aspects of developing, communicating and executing the strategic business plans. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%) Assist in the achievement of budgeted financial metrics, such as Sales, GM$, GM%, Turn, and Vendor Support/Rebate dollars. Work with the Buyer to manage, execute and communicate the line review process. Support the Buyer with product analysis and item selections for all events, promotions, power panels, endcaps, clip strips, and two-tier baskets - Fully responsible for meeting deadlines, communication and executing the above listed responsibilities. Maintain the financials and day to day management of 3 to 6 categories or more. Communicate, execute and monitor Sales Driving Initiative review detail. Provide detail of merchandise strategy to Planner for building assortment plans for new planograms. Hit milestone dates and communicate on a timely basis with partners in Merchandise Analysis, Inventory Management, Logistics, Merchandise Administration, Merchandise Presentation, Sourcing/Product development, Pricing and Store Operations. Execute details of the advertising process which includes researching previous ad sales, working with the planner to develop forecasts, conveying inventory support needs to the inventory analyst, entering items into the Promotions Workbench, proofing all print advertising, and serving as the primary point of contact for the advertising and marketing departments related to the production details of our advertising and marketing. Develop and maintain a positive, productive day-to-day working relationship with assigned members of the Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management, Pricing, Marketing, Operations(stores) and Merchandise Presentation Teams. Serves as primary point of contact for vendor and product specific issue resolution. Negotiate costs, scanbacks, and buybacks with vendors working in conjunction with the buyer. Serve as point of contact for the vendor community (primary contact is Buyer). Execute of the New Item Test Program. Work in conjunction with the buyer to select items to test. Negotiate buybacks and markdown dollars in association with the test program. Handle/oversee all interaction and communication with the Merchandise Administration Team to include, but not limited to, new vendor setup, new sku setup, VRM management, marketing, support funds, volume rebates, and markdown dollars. 5% Serve as the primary owner of the Bluebook Product Catalog process and product related store guides. Conduct Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store tours and off-site training, work with transportation to insure goods are packaged and delivered to stores and collaborate with Human Resources Store Operations and the Vendor Community in the development of Product Knowledge Training for Team Members. Required Qualifications Experience: 2-4 years retail experience in store ops, merchandising or Inventory Management; Education: Knowledge ordinarily acquired through attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or other related field from an accredited college or university. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities Analytical and technical skills, including Excel and Business Objects experience. Displays strong and demonstrated leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities. Ability and proficiency in MS Windows and Office products. Ability to manipulate data to drive and expedite project completion. Ability to travel occasionally. Working Conditions Normal office working conditions Physical Requirements Standing (not walking) Walking Lifting up to 50 pounds Driving a vehicle Disclaimer This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor. Company Info At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well‑being today and in the future. Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full‑time Team Members and all part‑time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90‑day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15‑hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service. Please visit this link for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you’re applying for. #J-18808-Ljbffr