What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer position at LHH?
LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated and detailed Buyer to join their team in Effingham, IL. Must have at least 1 year of experience in purchasing, particularly within the retail industry. The Buyer will play a critical role in driving product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships for their designated category. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (such as Oracle, SAP, NetSuite) are essential for success in this role. Competitive Salary and Benefits Package (PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and Life Insurance) are offered.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships for the assigned category.
- Maintain accurate vendor and product information (style, SKU, pricing, UPC, etc.) in the internal measurement unit (IMU).
- Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and basic programs, ensuring timely execution.
- Monitor Purchase Orders (POs) for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage, following up with vendors as needed to ensure compliance.
- Develop and nurture strong vendor partnerships, negotiating pricing, terms, and opportunity buys to optimize profitability.
- Stay informed about market dynamics, trends, and competitor activities to drive strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop seasonal merchandise assortments, pricing strategies, and merchandising plans.
- Utilize Excel skills, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs, to generate reports and analyze data for effective decision-making.
- Provide timely direction to Store Planning on new SKUs and programs to maintain accurate planograms and optimize in-store merchandising.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in purchasing, buying, or procurement, preferably in the retail industry.
- Experience with a larger ERP system (Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, etc.) and advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs) required.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective vendor relationships.
- Proven ability to drive product assortment strategies and financial planning to achieve business objectives.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving retail environment, adapting to market changes and seasonal demands.
If you are a passionate Buyer looking for a new and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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