Assistant Buyer, Apparel

About the role

Rural King is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join our dynamic team. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the Buyer in efficient procurement processes, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring smooth administrative operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in efficient procurement processes
• Maintain data integrity
• Manage vendor relationships
• Ensure smooth administrative operations
• Perform support activities for the buying team, such as purchase order management and processing markdowns
• Build foundational merchant skills and learn the keys to becoming a successful merchant
• Provide basic analysis of key business data to the Buyer, including the use of retail math to understand the business, monitoring of regional merchandise reports, stock analysis, and other ad-hoc analysis to project sales and inventory levels
• Populate product candidates for Marketing review and execution
• Responsible for visual line and merchandise list, and works within Merchandise systems to set up and maintain all SKUs
• Develop effective relationships with vendors, which include following up on shipments and resolving problems to ensure the product is delivered and processed as directed by the Buyer
• Maintain strong, positive relationships with cross-functional partners across inventory, design, development, e-commerce, and creative teams
• Organize and maintain vendor contact information and contract files
• Support buyers in scheduling meetings, preparing presentations, and coordinating product samples
• Help ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Design, Business, Marketing, or related field required
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & Outlook), familiarity with procurement software is a plus
• Prior experience in an administrative or purchasing support role preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and provide thorough and articulate responses
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail
• Proven track record of consistently producing error-free work and meeting quality standards

Physical Requirements

• 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
• Closed vision for computer-related activities
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $26.20/hour annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here.