Replenishment Buyer

At Music & Arts, the right inventory, at the right time, and in the right place makes all the difference for educators and students. The Replenishment Buyer plays a critical role in keeping our stores appropriately stocked through the unique rhythms of the school year by balancing demand forecasts with vendor lead times, transit costs, and financial goals to support our educational mission.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented inventory management or buying professional who thrives in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.

The Replenishment Buyer offers a strong opportunity to deepen your expertise in inventory management within a highly collaborative retail environment. You’ll lead Allocation, working closely with the Category Management team, Merchandise Planning team, Marketing team, Supply Chain team, and Store team to support school-driven assortments. You’ll have responsibility for placing purchase orders for inventory and overseeing the allocation of that inventory to distribution hubs and stores.

By continually monitoring store in-stock rates, DC inventory levels, order lead times, and on-order product you will play a key role in keeping Music & Arts running smoothly.
Essential Functions (not all-inclusive):

Inventory & Replenishment Management

• Lead Allocation partners in managing replenishment for assigned Music & Arts categories (e.g., band & orchestra instruments, accessories printed materials, rentals, and supplies)
• Create, manage, and release purchase orders based on Planning forecasts, sales trends, seasonality, lead times and supply chain expense management
• Ensure strong in-stock performance during peak periods including back-to-school, rental season, and concert cycles
• Monitor inventory levels, weeks of supply, backorders, and excess inventory; recommend and execute corrective actions
• Support rental and school-specific inventory needs in partnership with planning and operations teams
• Manage the allocation of goods across multiple warehouses, and stores

Forecasting & Analysis

• Partner with Merchandise Planning to align replenishment with annual, seasonal, and promotional plans
• Analyze sales trends, historical demand, and school calendar impacts to refine allocation forecasts
• Monitor vendor performance, fill rates, and lead times to identify risks and opportunities
• Support item transitions, new item introductions, and end-of-life strategies

Vendor Management

• Maintain strong working relationships with domestic and international vendors
• Communicate forecasts, seasonal needs, and priority SKUs to support Music & Arts’ service-level commitments
• Resolve vendor issues including shortages, substitutions, late shipments, and cost discrepancies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners across Distribution Centers, Store Operations, Rentals, and Field Teams to support execution
• Support promotions, catalogs, and school-driven programs through proactive inventory planning
• Partner with Supply Chain to manage inbound flow and mitigate constraints during peak seasons

Operational Excellence

• Ensure item setup accuracy
• Maintain data integrity across merchandising and inventory systems
• Prepare regular reporting on inventory health, service levels, and action plans
• Identify opportunities to improve replenishment processes, tools, and vendor collaboration

About Music & Arts

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since…