Associate Buyer, Apparel

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

2d•$55,000 - $62,740

About The Position

Rural King is hiring an Associate Buyer for its apparel category. The role collaborates with the Buyer and cross-functional partners to support product assortment, financial planning, vendor relationships, sales, inventory management, and the department’s financial goals. The Associate Buyer maintains product and vendor information, sets up vendors and items, manages purchase orders, and supports seasonal and basic programs. The position works with vendors, suppliers, stores, distribution centers, logistics, inventory planning, sourcing, e-commerce, and store planning. It supports product development and private-label development, negotiates pricing and vendor terms, reviews category performance, develops assortments and promotional plans, and helps ensure products are available and accurately represented in advertising and planograms. The Associate Buyer also learns to lead the team and contribute to the department’s strategic direction. The role requires 1–3 years of retail experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education, strong communication and organizational skills, retail business knowledge, and proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar software. The annualized pay range is $55,000–$62,740, and the position is bonus eligible. Compensation depends on factors including geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs.

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 ability to quickly learn, ERP and other systems.
Comfort navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Strong communication and persuasive skills for negotiating with and influencing stakeholders at various organizational levels.
Strong understanding of retail business practices.
Ability to resolve conflicts and address challenges in relationships effectively.
Ability to prioritize based on urgency and importance and adapt schedules and plans as needed.
Adaptability to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business needs.
Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
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 and cross-functional team on product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships.
Work with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to support sales, manage inventory, and meet 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, follow up with vendors, maintain order files, and complete purchase-order cleanup.
Develop vendor partnerships and work with suppliers on product development and with Global Sourcing on private-label development as needed.
Manage co-op programs, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies; negotiate pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys.
Oversee communications with stores and distribution centers; partner with Logistics and the distribution center to support efficient product flow to stores.
Visit stores to establish communication and understand store challenges.
Monitor market dynamics and competition; manage product pricing, sales, and profit margins to plan.
Identify product opportunities that meet customer needs and conduct category reviews as needed, approximately two to three times 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; collaborate on open-to-buy financial plans aligned with organizational goals.
Optimize in-stock levels for basic items and identify underperforming items or categories to reduce inventory and liabilities.
Partner with an Inventory Analyst on 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.
Help ensure print advertising accuracy and product in-stock levels of 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 and are grouped by volume levels.
Learn to lead the team, drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve department financial goals; learn to create 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 and concerns promptly and effectively.
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 eligibility.