Associate Buyer, Sporting Goods

About the role

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Annual sales exceed $2.5 billion, with corporate headquarters, distribution center, and flagship store in Mattoon, IL. The company offers a unique shopping experience with complimentary popcorn and coffee, and values associates with growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment dedicated to serving rural communities.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and 50% match on the next 2%
• Healthcare plans
• 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

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the Buyer to drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships for the category with strong cross-functional team collaboration
• 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 department financial goals
• 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 for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage and follow up with vendors as needed
• Maintain order files and execute PO cleanup

Relationships

• Develop strong vendor partnerships
• Partner with suppliers on product development and with Global Sourcing on private label development as needed
• Manage co-op programs, 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 product flow to stores
• Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understand store challenges

Product

• 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

Planning/Analysis

• Place, track, and ensure 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) aligned 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

Advertising and Promotion

• Develop and submit 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

Store Planning

• Provide timely direction on new SKUs 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

Team Leadership

• Learn to lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve department financial goals
• 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 such as training programs, workshops, and webinars
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, 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

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 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
• Strong understanding of retail business practices
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address challenges 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

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

Pay

The pay range for this position is $55,000 – $61,000 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.