Associate Buyer, Automotive at Rural King in Mattoon, IL

Summary: Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities they serve. They are seeking an Associate Buyer to collaborate with the Buyer on product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships, while driving sales and managing inventory. Responsibilities: - Work alongside a team of talented professionals who are passionate about their work and strive for excellence every day - Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King - Collaborate with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to support driving sales, managing inventory, and achieving the financial goals of the department - Maintain vendor and product information (style, SKU, pricing UPC, etc.) in internal measurement unit (IMU) - Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and/or basic programs - Monitor Purchase Orders (PO’s) for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage and follow up with vendors as needed - Maintain order files and execute PO cleanup - Develop strong vendor partnerships - Partner with suppliers on product development, as well as the Global Sourcing department on private 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 - 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 insure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders - 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 - 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 - Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5% - Collaborate with the E-Commerce Buyer to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies - Provide timely direction on new SKU’s and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms - Ensure planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels - Learn to lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department - Learn to create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies - 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 Required Qualifications: - At least 1-3 years of retail experience or 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 - Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities - Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills - Excellent customer service skills - Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail - Strong communication and persuasive skills to negotiate and influence stakeholders at various levels in the organization - Strong understanding of retail business practices - Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address challenges that may arise in relationships - Ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, adapting schedules and plans as necessary - Adaptable in response to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business needs - Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations - Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically - Ability to navigate and access all facilities - Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices - Close vision for computer-related activities Required Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, ERP Systems, Retail Business Practices, Inventory Management, Financial Planning, Vendor Management, Product Assortment, Purchase Order Management, Sales Analysis, Promotional Planning, Planogram Development 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