Retail Buyer Specialist

Hawkins HR Consulting, LLC • KY

87d

About The Position

The Visitor Center Retail Buyer Specialist (VCRBS) is responsible for developing and executing the merchandise strategy across both the physical Visitor Center location and the online retail platform. This role focuses on researching, sourcing, and curating new retail products, while ensuring accurate inventory control and efficient fulfillment processes. Additional responsibilities include supporting supply ordering, managing the e-commerce platform, and conducting regular physical inventory counts. The Retail Buyer Specialist reports directly to the Manager of Guest Experience and collaborates closely with the Visitor Center Supervisors for Distillery & Warehouse and Bottling, the Guest Experience Coordinator, and the Marketing and Quality Control departments. This position conducts job duties in a manner that demonstrates a strong food safety culture which ensures the safety and quality of our products.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in business administration, marketing, supply chain management or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience as a retail buyer or procurement within a retail environment.
• Experience in inventory control and merchandising in a retail environment.
• Must be familiar and comfortable with POS/Inventory Control systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Must be 21 years of age or older with valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Retail experience in spirits/tourism industries a plus.
• Knowledge of Shopify.
• Experience with Counterpoint.

Responsibilities

• Replenish retail merchandise, Bourbon, Visitor Center Private Selection Barrels and goods and supplies for Visitor Centers through creation of purchase orders for approval by Manager, Guest Experience.
• Source & create new retail merchandise for approval to update inventory mix to align with corporate brand guidelines and adhere to corporate purchasing policy.
• Collect quotes, product samples, and digital proofs to support product recommendations.
• Develop and present quarterly merchandise and product assortment plans that align with seasonal trends, guest preferences, and marketing campaigns.
• Stay abreast of current shopping trends internally and externally, to support recommendations for new or changes to retail merchandise.
• Establish and maintain vendor relations, work with manager to seek competitive pricing balanced with highest quality goods and profit potential.
• Monitor sell-through report and re-order merchandise as determined by lead times.
• Conduct receiving-in procedures through quantity and quality inspection, ensuring items are accurately price-tagged with the support of Visitor Center Team.
• Update pricing changes for items as requested by manager.
• Assist with inventory and supplies for Four Roses’ participation in onsite events and as necessary/directed for festivals and/or other offsite events.
• Adheres to inventory control procedures; works with VC Supervisors to train staff as needed.
• Conducts physical inventory quarterly cycle counts and annual inventory.
• Perform periodic audits as directed to ensure accuracy of inventory in system.
• Enter location transfers, damaged goods and internal transactions (Store 4), processing entries and record as required per SOP.
• Track Bourbon inventory for Visitor Center Barrels, Tastings and Guest Experiences.
• Order non-retail Visitor Center supplies as determined by Supervisors.
• Coordinate and deliver inventory and supply needs for Warehouse and Bottling Visitor Center.
• Provide monthly reports to Manager, Guest Experience as directed.
• Monitor daily orders and work in partnership with Visitor Center Supervisors to ensure orders are fulfilled, packed, and shipped within 3-5 business days.
• Work in conjunction with Consumer Advocacy department to add and update new items to retail e-commerce platform.
• Reply to consumer inquiries and complaints for e-commerce transactions professionally and in a timely manner.
• Coordinate monthly e-comm products and promotions with Consumer Engagement Specialist to be featured in communications with consumers.
• Provide monthly reports on e-comm sales to Manager, Guest Experience, and Consumer Engagement Specialist.
• Partner with Consumer Engagement Specialist to annually evaluate Mellow Moments Club product offerings via e-commerce and make updates, as needed.
• Contribute to exploratory research in partnership with Manager, Guest Experience and Senior Manager, Consumer Advocacy & Engagement regarding innovation opportunities in e-commerce.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree