Sr. Category Buyer - Boating & Water

A bit about us:

We are a nationally recognized, retailer with a strong footprint across the United States and a proven track record of sustained growth. Our culture is people-first and performance-driven. We believe in empowering leaders with true ownership of their categories, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, and creating clear pathways for advancement.

This is an opportunity to join a stable, well-capitalized organization that combines the scale of a national retailer with the agility and energy of a growth-focused business. Leaders here are given visibility, autonomy, and the resources needed to make a real impact.

Why join us?

True Category Ownership - Full P&L responsibility, Open-to-Buy control, vendor strategy, and assortment planning authority
High Visibility Role - Direct impact on enterprise strategy with cross-functional leadership exposure
Competitive Compensation + Performance Bonus
Robust Relocation Package - Comprehensive support including moving expenses, temporary housing assistance, and transition support
Comprehensive Benefits Package - Medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA options, life and disability coverage
401(k) with Company Match - Long-term wealth-building support
Career Growth Path - Clear advancement opportunities within a stable, expanding national organization
Collaborative, Entrepreneurial Culture - Work alongside experienced merchandising, planning, sourcing, and eCommerce leaders

Job Details

The Senior Category Buyer is a crucial role in our organization, requiring a robust combination of strategic planning, leadership, and execution skills. This individual will have a significant influence on the company's growth and profitability by managing the Boating & Marine category. The role demands a strong financial acumen, and in-depth understanding of retail and the marine industry.

Responsibilities:
1. Lead the Category Management Team to drive sales and manage inventory effectively.
2. Manage the Open to Buy process, ensuring optimal inventory levels and minimizing stockouts or overstocks.
3. Complete assortment planning and manage product lifecycles to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.
4. Develop, mentor, train, and manage assistant buyers, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
5. Oversee vendor management, including vendor allowance collections and vendor strategy, to ensure strong relationships and advantageous terms.
6. Stay informed of industry trends and market conditions to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
7. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align category strategy with overall business objectives.

Qualifications:
1. Minimum of 5 years of retail experience, preferably in a buying role.
2. At least 3+ years of experience in the boating, fishing, marine, or a similar category.
3. Strong financial acumen, with the ability to analyze financial reports and make data-driven decisions.
4. Demonstrated experience in vendor management and negotiation.
5. Proven leadership skills, with experience in training and mentoring team members.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time, domestically and internationally.
8. Passion for the boating and marine industry, with a deep understanding of the market and customer needs.
9. Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
10. Proficiency in retail management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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