Associate Buyer, Automotive

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Buyer to drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships.
• 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.
• Create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.