Buyer, Outdoor Power Equipment

As a Buyer, Outdoor Power Equipment you will be owning and driving all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.

• Develop strong vendor partnerships.
• Partner with suppliers on product development, as well as the Global Sourcing department on product label development, as needed.
• Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
• Negotiate all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys and free goods.
• Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
• Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
• Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.

Product

• Stay abreast of market dynamics and competition.
• Manage pricing, sales, and profit margin of products to plan.
• Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
• Conduct category reviews as needed (2-3 per year).
• Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.

Planning/Analysis

• Place, track and ensure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
• Provide Inventory Analyst with problems that need analysis, improvement, or change.
• Review recommendations from Inventory Analysts and determine direction and appropriate action.
• Partner with Inventory Analyst to monitor and react to seasonal product performance.
• Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
• Generate and leverage reports for effective decision making.
• Complete assortment planning and product lifecycles.
• Collaborate to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
• Optimize "in stock" on basic items by collaborating with your designated replenishment specialists/partner.
• Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and liabilities.
• Partner with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.

Advertising and Promotion

• Develop and submit 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 product in stock to 98.5%.
• Collaborate with the Digital Aisle Team to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing. strategies to drive sales and profits. This is a core responsibility and should be a major focus.

Store Planning

• Provide timely direction on new SKU’s and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms per the Store Planning process and timelines.
• Ensure planograms are appropriate to the volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels.

Team Leadership

• Lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department.
• Create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies.
• Make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.
• Be a leader who will inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and making a tangible difference.
• Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 3 years of multi-unit purchasing experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn Oracle ERP Systems.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to address challenges and make effective leadership decisions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas, instructions, and information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to influence outcomes without being overly aggressive or passive.
• Ability to remain composed and focused during high-pressure situations, ensuring quality and timely outcomes.
• Experience in managing multiple tasks and maintaining a proactive and results-driven approach.
• needs.
• Comfortable with taking calculated risks and accepting accountability for decision outcomes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.