What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at C-A-L Ranch Stores?
Buyer
Idaho Falls, ID
Description
Primary Purpose
The Buyer will play a critical role in shaping the company’s product assortment and ensuring that inventory meets customer demand while aligning with brand standards. Responsible for product selection, vendor management, and strategic purchasing, the Buyer will analyze market trends, negotiate favorable terms, and manage relationships with suppliers. This role requires a strong understanding of merchandising and the ability to balance quality, cost, and inventory levels to maximize profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product Selection and Assortment Planning:
- Identify, evaluate, and select products that align with company goals, customer preferences, and market trends.
- Develop and execute assortment strategies to meet category sales goals, profitability targets, and inventory turnover objectives.
- Work closely with the merchandising team to plan seasonal or promotional assortments that drive revenue and enhance brand positioning.
Vendor Sourcing and Relationship Management:
- Source and establish relationships with reliable vendors, negotiating terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring high-quality standards and timely product delivery.
Inventory and Demand Management:
- Forecast demand and manage inventory levels, ensuring product availability while minimizing excess stock.
- Monitor and analyze product performance, adjusting purchase quantities or discontinuing underperforming items as needed.
- Collaborate with inventory management teams to plan reorders, monitor stock turnover, and reduce markdowns.
Negotiation and Cost Management:
- Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms, and vendor agreements to optimize profit margins.
- Evaluate cost-saving opportunities and manage budgets to meet financial goals.
- Analyze landed costs, taking into account shipping, duties, and other fees to ensure profitable purchasing decisions.
Market Research and Trend Analysis:
- Stay informed of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to identify opportunities for new products and categories.
- Conduct market research to forecast trends and consumer preferences, using data to guide buying decisions.
- Attend trade shows, vendor meetings, and other events to discover new products and stay updated on industry developments.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Generate and analyze sales, margin, and inventory reports to assess product performance and inform future purchasing strategies.
- Monitor KPIs such as sell-through rates, gross margin return on investment (GMROI), and stock levels to measure the effectiveness of purchasing strategies.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the products Country Supplier sells.
- Perform daily cleaning – such as, but not limited to, vacuuming, replacing full trashes with new trash bags, and sweeping.
- Other duties assigned as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in buying, purchasing, or merchandising within a retail or e-commerce environment preferred.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills, with a proven ability to secure favorable terms and build productive vendor partnerships.
- Proficiency in retail math, forecasting, and demand planning.
- Excellent analytical skills with experience using data to drive purchasing decisions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with ERP or retail management systems.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative and strategic thinker with an understanding of consumer behavior and market trends
