Associate Buyer

About the role

This position supports the buyer in developing, communicating, and executing strategic business plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist in achieving budgeted financial metrics (Sales, GM$, GM%, Turn, Vendor Support/Rebate dollars).
• Work with the Buyer to manage, execute, and communicate the line review process.
• Support product analysis and item selections for events, promotions, power panels, endcaps, clip strips, and two-tier baskets, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Maintain financials and day-to-day management of 3 to 6 categories or more.
• Communicate, execute, and monitor Sales Driving Initiative review details.
• Provide merchandise strategy details to Planner for building assortment plans for new planograms.
• Hit milestone dates and communicate with partners in Merchandise Analysis, Inventory Management, Logistics, Merchandise Administration, Merchandise Presentation, Sourcing/Product Development, Pricing, and Store Operations.
• Execute details of the advertising process, including researching previous ad sales, developing forecasts, conveying inventory needs, entering items into the Promotions Workbench, proofing print advertising, and serving as the primary contact for advertising and marketing departments.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management, Pricing, Marketing, Operations, and Merchandise Presentation Teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor and product-specific issue resolution.
• Negotiate costs, scanbacks, and buybacks with vendors in conjunction with the Buyer.
• Serve as the point of contact for the vendor community (primary contact remains the Buyer).
• Execute the New Item Test Program, including selecting items to test and negotiating buybacks and markdown dollars.
• Oversee interaction and communication with the Merchandise Administration Team, including new vendor setup, new SKU setup, VRM management, marketing support funds, volume rebates, and markdown dollars.
• Own the Bluebook Product Catalog process and product-related store guides.
• Conduct Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store tours and off-site training, collaborate with transportation to ensure proper packaging and delivery, and work with Human Resources, Store Operations, and the Vendor Community to develop Product Knowledge Training for Team Members.

Requirements

• 2-4 years of retail experience in store operations, merchandising, or inventory management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail, or a related field from an accredited college or university (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred Skills

• Analytical and technical skills, including Excel and Business Objects experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in MS Windows and Office products.
• Ability to manipulate data to drive and expedite project completion.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Working Conditions

• Normal office working conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting
• Standing (not walking)
• Walking
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending
• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Driving a vehicle

Benefits

Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply offer a comprehensive total reward package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Family planning resources, including adoption and surrogacy assistance.

Part-time new hires gain eligibility for benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement is met, benefits eligibility begins the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.