Assistant Buyer

The Assistant Buyer supports the Buying team in sourcing and purchasing products that meet customer demand and company objectives. This role assists with vendor communications
, inventory management
, purchase order processing
, and market research to ensure the right products are available at the right time and price. The position contributes to a positive customer experience through effective inventory management (availability), strong vendor relationships (our company tenant of win-win partnerships), and data-driven purchasing decisions.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with excellent communication skills
, strong analytical abilities
, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and a passion for continuous process improvement. While purchasing and inventory experience is preferred, the company values motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the organization.

• Strategically source and purchase products to maintain optimal inventory levels (availability targets) while increasing margin dollars.
• Forecast demand and proactively place purchase orders based on seasonality, trends, and sales performance.
• Manage inventory availability while achieving margin, inventory turn, and excess inventory targets.
• Monitor inventory health and develop strategies to reduce distressed and excess inventory.

• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Develop strategic growth plans with vendors focused on Commerce, Content, and Community initiatives.
• Support vendor negotiations through market research, pricing analysis, and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with vendors on inventory exit strategies and inventory optimization initiatives.
• Maintain accurate vendor records, agreements, and purchasing documentation.

• Track product and category performance using sales, inventory, and margin data.
• Analyze trends and provide actionable recommendations to improve business performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve product availability, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare reports and insights to support purchasing decisions and vendor discussions.

• Partner with Marketing, Brand team, Operations, and other departments to communicate product availability.
• Support initiatives that increase sales, improve customer experience, and reduce excess inventory.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and recommend operational enhancements.

Bachelor's Degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.

Minimum of 2 years of relevant buying, planning, inventory management, or purchasing experience preferred.

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• Microsoft Word and Powerpoint

Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

Ability to work with inventory and purchasing management systems

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Highly organized with strong planning and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Self‑motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Team‑oriented with a flexible and collaborative mindset.
• Entrepreneurial approach to identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Positive, professional, and customer‑focused attitude.

• Inventory availability and inventory targets.
• Margin achievement.
• Inventory turn performance.
• Excess and distressed inventory reduction.
• Vendor performance and relationship development.
• Purchase order accuracy and timeliness.
• Achievement of category growth objectives.

• Accurately forecast and purchase inventory to maintain availability while meeting margin goals.
• Minimize distressed and excess inventory through proactive inventory management.
• Collaborate effectively across departments to drive category growth and improve customer experience.
• Leverage vendor partnerships and marketing initiatives to increase sales and inventory efficiency.
• Maintain regular communication with top vendors.
• Contribute ideas that improve processes, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.