What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Buyer position at C-A-L Ranch Stores?
Junior Buyer
Idaho Falls, ID
Description
Primary Purpose
The Junior Buyer will assist in the sourcing, selection, and procurement of products that meet customer demand and align with the company’s brand and sales goals. This role supports the buying team in managing vendor relationships, analyzing sales trends, and ensuring the efficient flow of inventory. The Junior Buyer will also be involved in assisting with negotiations, placing purchase orders, and conducting market research. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain hands-on experience in the retail buying process and advance their career in merchandising.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assortment and Product Selection Support:
- Assist the buying team in researching, evaluating, and selecting products that align with brand objectives and customer preferences.
- Work closely with Senior Buyers and Merchandisers to plan assortments, seasonal product launches, and promotional items.
- Attend vendor meetings, trade shows, and product previews to support the selection of new products.
Vendor and Supplier Coordination:
- Build and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, assisting in negotiations for pricing, delivery schedules, and product terms.
- Collaborate with vendors to resolve issues related to orders, product quality, or shipment timelines.
Inventory Management and Replenishment:
- Monitor inventory levels to maintain optimal stock quantities and reduce instances of overstock or stockouts.
- Analyze sales trends, identifying fast-selling and underperforming items, and make recommendations for reorders or markdowns.
- Support the buying team in preparing and placing purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and adherence to budget.
Market Research and Trend Analysis:
- Conduct market research to identify industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitor product offerings.
- Assist in compiling competitive analysis reports to inform buying decisions and identify product opportunities.
- Support the buying team in gathering insights on new product ideas and potential emerging categories.
Sales and Data Analysis:
- Prepare regular sales and inventory reports, analyzing data to help guide purchasing decisions and adjustments to assortments.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-through rates, turnover, and gross margin for assigned product categories.
- Support the development of purchasing strategies by identifying sales trends and customer preferences through data analysis.
Administrative Support and Organization:
- Maintain organized records of purchase orders, product specifications, vendor agreements, and other key documentation.
- Manage the flow of samples, coordinating with vendors to obtain product samples for evaluation by the buying team.
- Assist with price management, product setup, and maintenance in retail management systems.
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, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field.
- 1-2 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or supply chain is preferred.
- Strong analytical skills and familiarity with retail math; experience with sales reporting and data analysis.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with retail management or ERP software is a plus.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external vendors.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and willingness to learn and grow within a fast-paced environment.
