Buyer

Job Overview

The purpose of the Buyer is to own and drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a merchandise assortment that supports the customers and drives sales for 12 Norby’s Farm Fleet stores.
• Monitor merchandise metrics. These metrics include sales dollars, profit dollars, and merchandise turns.

• Develop a strategy to work through old & obsolete merchandise and sell down inventory.
• Develop strong vendor partnerships.
• Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
• Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Center.
• Partner with the distribution center for most efficient flow of products to stores.
• Visit Norby’s Farm Fleet stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
• Attend buying shows as needed (roughly two per year).

Merchandise Responsibilities:

• Stay up-to-date on product trends and competitor assortments.
• Manage pricing, sales, and profit margin.
• Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
• Conduct category reviews as needed.
• Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.

Planning:

• Place, track and ensure complete and on-time delivery of all purchase orders.
• Review sales of merchandise and determine direction and appropriate action.
• Review and track seasonal product performance.
• Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
• Develop an assortment plan and monitor product lifecycles.
• Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce / eliminate inventory on those items.
• Partner with Purchasing Manager to determine sales, inventory and turn goals.
• Approve invoices and ensure the company is accurately billed for the merchandise purchased.

Advertising and Promotion:

• Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic per the advertising process, pricing policy, and timelines.
• Ensure accuracy of print advertising and have the appropriate product in stock.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies to drive sales and profits.

Store Merchandising:

• Provide timely directions on new SKU’s and new programs to Purchasing Manager to develop and maintain accurate planograms.
• Ensure planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of purchasing experience or equivalent combination of experience and education is preferred.
• Retail experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with others.
• Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Medical insurance
• Employee discount
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Starting Base Salary - $65,000-$70,000

• Bonus pay based on performance

Work Location: Dubuque, Iowa