Buyer, Apparel

Buyer Position

As a Buyer you will be owning and driving all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing strong vendor partnerships.
• Partnering with suppliers on product development, as well as the Global Sourcing department in private brand, product label development, as needed.
• Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
• Negotiating all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys and free goods.
• Overseeing and managing communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
• Partnering with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
• Visiting RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
• Staying abreast of market dynamics and competition.
• Managing pricing, sales, and profit margin of products to plan.
• Identifying new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
• Conducting category reviews as needed (2-3 per year).
• Developing seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.
• Placing, tracking, and ensuring complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
• Providing Inventory Analyst with problems that need analysis, improvement, or change.
• Reviewing recommendations from Inventory Analysts and determining direction and appropriate action.
• Partnering with Inventory Analyst to monitor and react to seasonal product performance.
• Maintaining detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
• Generating and leveraging reports for effective decision making.
• Completing assortment planning and product lifecycles.
• Collaborating to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
• Optimizing "in stock" on basic items by collaborating with your designated replenishment specialists/partner.
• Identifying poor performing items and categories and reducing inventory and liabilities.
• Partnering with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
• Developing and submitting advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic per the advertising process, pricing policy and timelines.
• Ensuring accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5%.
• Collaborating with the Digital Aisle Team to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies to drive sales and profits.
• Providing timely direction on new SKU's and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms per the Store Planning process and timelines.
• Ensuring planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels.
• Leading the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department.
• Creating and communicating a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies.
• Being a leader who will inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King.
• Leading and driving impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
• Playing a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and making a tangible difference.
• Leading associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King's Thrive Leadership Program.
• Using discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participating in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leveraging these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Providing friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrating behaviors that exemplify Rural King's Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities include:

• Yes

Essential qualities for success include:

• At least 3 years of multi-unit purchasing experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; high proficiency in Excel preferred.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn Oracle Systems.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs.