Associate Buyer, Sporting Goods

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

23h•$55,000 - $61,000

About The Position

The Associate Buyer collaborates with the Buyer and an integrated cross-functional team to support product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships for the sporting goods category. The role contributes to sales growth, inventory management, and department financial goals through vendor coordination, product and pricing management, purchase order oversight, assortment planning, and analysis. The Associate Buyer supports supplier and store relationships; seasonal and basic merchandise programs; advertising, promotions, and planograms; and the movement of products to stores. The position also learns to lead the team and contribute to the department’s strategic vision. No supervisory responsibilities are listed.

Requirements

At least 1–3 years of retail experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Proficiency with, or the ability to quickly learn, ERP and other systems.
Comfort using computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail.
Strong communication and persuasive skills to negotiate and influence stakeholders at various organizational levels.
Strong understanding of retail business practices.
Ability to resolve conflicts and address relationship challenges effectively.
Ability to prioritize work by urgency and importance and adapt schedules and plans as needed.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business needs.
Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended periods.
Ability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
Ability to communicate verbally with others in person and via electronic devices.
Close vision for computer-related activities.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Buyer, Inventory Planners, Sourcing, and other cross-functional partners to support sales, inventory management, and department financial goals.
Maintain vendor and product information, including style, SKU, pricing, and UPC data, in the internal measurement unit (IMU).
Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and basic programs.
Monitor purchase orders for on-time shipping and fulfillment and follow up with vendors as needed.
Maintain order files and execute purchase order cleanup.
Develop vendor partnerships and work with suppliers on product development and with Global Sourcing on private-label product development as needed.
Manage co-op programs, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
Negotiate pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys.
Manage communications with stores and distribution centers; partner with Logistics and distribution centers to improve product flow to stores.
Visit Rural King stores to build communication and understand store challenges.
Monitor market dynamics and competition; manage product pricing, sales, and profit margin to plan.
Identify opportunities to deliver products customers want and need, and conduct category reviews as needed, typically two to three per year.
Develop seasonal merchandise assortments, pricing, and merchandising plans.
Place and track new-store orders and ensure complete, on-time delivery.
Maintain current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends; generate and use reports for decision-making.
Complete assortment planning and product lifecycles, and collaborate on open-to-buy financial plans aligned with organizational goals.
Optimize in-stock levels for basic items and identify underperforming items and categories to reduce inventory and liabilities.
Partner with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory, and turn goals, including preseason flow plans and projections.
Develop and submit advertising and promotional plans intended to increase sales and store traffic.
Ensure print advertising accuracy and product in-stock availability to 98.5%.
Collaborate with the E-Commerce Buyer on assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies.
Provide timely direction to Store Planning on new SKUs and programs for accurate planograms; ensure planograms suit store volume and space.
Learn to lead the team in driving sales, managing inventory, and achieving department financial goals, and learn to develop and communicate a strategic department vision, including visual merchandising strategies.
Use discretion and independent judgment while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Participate in learning initiatives, including training programs, workshops, and webinars.
Provide friendly, proactive, and professional support to internal and external contacts, responding to inquiries, concerns, and issues.
Demonstrate Rural King’s values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
Healthcare plans.
Virtual doctor visits.
Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
15% associate discount.
Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program.
Associate Assistance Program.
RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
24/7 chaplaincy services.
Company-paid YMCA family membership.
Bonus eligible.