Inventory Purchasing Manager

Russell Cellular•Battlefield, MO

26d

About The Position

The Inventory Purchasing Manager plays a crucial role in the organization’s product planning and control, ensuring optimal inventory levels while supporting the lifecycle and distribution strategies. This position involves analyzing vendor proposals, managing costs, quality, service, and availability, and acting as a liaison between Russell Cellular and its vendors. The Inventory Purchasing Manager will work closely with internal teams such as Merchandising, Marketing, and Sales Leaders to meet strategic goals, improve purchasing leverage, and align with market demands.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience in purchasing or buying roles, preferably in wireless retail, consumer electronics, or mobile accessories. Prior experience with Verizon programs or carrier-retail networks is a strong plus.
Proven ability to negotiate vendor terms, manage funding/incentive capture and control margin leakage.
Strong analytical skills with experience in forecasting, reporting, and ERP/POS systems; advanced Excel skills required.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing at least one direct report; strong coaching and feedback skills.
Comfortable working in a high-velocity retail channel with shifting launches, promotional cycles, and aggressive sales targets.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to partner across Finance, Sales Ops, Merchandising and OEM/Vendor Partners.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a strategic purchasing plan for key categories: devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables) and accessories (cases, chargers, cables, audio, etc.).
Lead vendor negotiations to drive incremental margin, funding capture, and favorable terms for Russell Cellular.
Work with the merchandising team to align buys around OEM/Carrier launches.
Translate sales forecasts (including device attach rates, accessory per unit, promo bundles) into accurate Inventory levels.
Monitor Weeks on Hand (WOH), turn rates, sell-through, and open-to-buy. Identify slow-moving SKUs, recommend action (re-allocation, markdown, etc..) to maintain fresh assortments.
Plan and execute accessory bundling strategies to drive attach rate and accessory revenue.
Support product launches, promotions, and seasonal events with proactive buy strategies.
Maintain and use Russell Cellular’s POS tools to manage vendor data, SKU master, purchase orders, and forecasting models.
Provide weekly/monthly to Executive Team and OEM partners
Identify process improvements: strengthen purchasing controls, streamline communications between merchandising, stores and operations teams.
Work closely with Inventory Control to ensure stock accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and reduce write-offs and shrink.
Collaborate with Store Operations and Regional Directors to communicate product availability, launch readiness, and promo compliance.
Lead a team of 2–3 Buyers/Analysts supporting accessory and device categories. Set clear goals, coach on KPI metrics and promote professional development.
Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decisions, and proactive inventory control.
Serve as the subject matter expert on device/accessory trends, consumer behavior, and competitive retail merchandising strategies.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as paid sick days and company holidays
Employer matched 401K after 1 year
Listed in Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for 9 consecutive years and inducted into the Inc. Hall of Fame in 2018
Employee Assistance Programs
750+ locations in 43 states employing 2,600+ employees
Verizon Sales discounts and incentives
Opportunity for growth and advancement through training
Community involvement opportunities
Same-day pay options
Amazing company culture