What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Associate Buyer, Spirits position at Total Wine & More?
About The Role
Total Wine & More is seeking a Senior Associate Buyer, Spirits to join our Merchandising team onsite in Bethesda, MD. In this role, you will manage supplier relationships, lead product development initiatives, and support the execution of sourcing strategies to drive sales and margin performance within the Spirits Direct portfolio. You'll act as a category expert and a key cross-functional partner, contributing to the success of our strategic supplier programs and helping shape the future of our direct label spirit offerings. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with visibility across the business, offering the opportunity to influence brand strategy, innovation pipelines, and supplier collaboration. In this position, you will report to the Sr. Director, Spirits.
You will
We recognize our team members are our biggest asset, and we value the critical role each play in contributing to the company’s success. It is our commitment to support and provide access to the resources needed to take care of their health and wellbeing. That is why we offer a variety of benefits, tools, and resources to support through our Total Rewards program. To view our full career page, click here: https://careers.totalwine.com/!
Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.
Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.
Click to View EEO Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Click to View E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
Click to View the Right to Work Poster
The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.
Total Wine & More is seeking a Senior Associate Buyer, Spirits to join our Merchandising team onsite in Bethesda, MD. In this role, you will manage supplier relationships, lead product development initiatives, and support the execution of sourcing strategies to drive sales and margin performance within the Spirits Direct portfolio. You'll act as a category expert and a key cross-functional partner, contributing to the success of our strategic supplier programs and helping shape the future of our direct label spirit offerings. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with visibility across the business, offering the opportunity to influence brand strategy, innovation pipelines, and supplier collaboration. In this position, you will report to the Sr. Director, Spirits.
You will
- Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships across key global spirit categories, supporting over $150M in sales.
- Lead end-to-end development and execution of new items, from concept through launch, across a range of spirit segments, including entry-level to ultra-premium tiers.
- Partner with compliance and legal teams to ensure timely federal approvals and adherence to all regulatory standards.
- Build and execute brand launch and promotional plans in partnership with Marketing, Digital, and Store Operations teams to support product performance and in-store execution.
- Drive assortment planning decisions based on trend analysis, market dynamics, and portfolio optimization strategies in collaboration with Category Management.
- Work closely with the Supply Chain team to manage inventory planning, replenishment accuracy, and timely order execution.
- Act as a subject matter expert for internal stakeholders by delivering insights, analysis, and recommendations tied to margin, sales, and market opportunities.
- Mentor junior associates on the Spirits Direct team, providing guidance and helping build functional and product expertise across the team.
- Bachelor's Degree Business, Merchandising, or a related field preferred
- 1-4 years experience in buying, sourcing, or merchandising, preferably within the alcoholic beverage industry. preferred
- Strong analytical and Excel skills with experience analyzing assortment, sales, and margin data.
- Demonstrated experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams, including marketing, compliance, and supply chain.
- Proven project management skills and the ability to manage multiple timelines across a high-volume category.
- Passion for spirits and staying current with consumer trends, competitive products, and new brand opportunities.
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Generous store discounts
- Health care plans (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
- 401(k), HSA, FSA, Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Disability & life insurance coverage
- Paid parental leave
- Pet insurance
- Critical illness and accident insurance
- Discounted home and auto insurance
- College tuition assistance
- Career development & product training
- Consumer classes
- & More!
We recognize our team members are our biggest asset, and we value the critical role each play in contributing to the company’s success. It is our commitment to support and provide access to the resources needed to take care of their health and wellbeing. That is why we offer a variety of benefits, tools, and resources to support through our Total Rewards program. To view our full career page, click here: https://careers.totalwine.com/!
Total Wine & More considers several factors when establishing compensation. Compensation may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills and/or experience. The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Estimated salaries determined by third parties have not been validated by Total Wine & More.
Total Wine & More is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Total Wine & More makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. Total Wine & More is a Drug Free Workplace.
Click to View EEO Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Click to View E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
Click to View the Right to Work Poster
The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply. The anticipated close date of this posting is 120 days from the posted date indicated above.
Salary : $70,470 - $114,400