Buyer, Apparel

Rural King Supply•Mattoon, IL

4d•$90,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for owning and driving all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category, with strong collaboration with your integrated cross-functional team. This role involves developing strong vendor partnerships, negotiating pricing and terms, managing product lifecycles, and ensuring accurate advertising and planograms. You will also play a key role in leading the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve financial goals, while embodying Rural King's values and leadership principles.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

Develop strong vendor partnerships.
Partner 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.
Negotiate all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys and free goods.
Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
Stay abreast of market dynamics and competition.
Manage pricing, sales, and profit margin of products to plan.
Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
Conduct category reviews as needed (2-3 per year).
Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.
Place, track, and ensure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
Provide Inventory Analyst with problems that need analysis, improvement, or change.
Review recommendations from Inventory Analysts and determine direction and appropriate action.
Partner with Inventory Analyst to monitor and react to seasonal product performance.
Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
Generate and leverage reports for effective decision making.
Complete assortment planning and product lifecycles.
Collaborate to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
Optimize "in stock" on basic items by collaborating with your designated replenishment specialists/partner.
Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and liabilities.
Partner with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic per the advertising process, pricing policy and timelines.
Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5%.
Collaborate with the Digital Aisle Team to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing. strategies to drive sales and profits.
Provide 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.
Ensure planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels.
Lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department.
Create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies.
Be a leader who will inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King.
Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
Play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and making a tangible difference.
Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%
Healthcare plans to support your needs
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