Apparel Buyer: Strategy, Sourcing & Growth

Rural King; Mattoon (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Healthcare plans

Virtual doctor visits

Centers of Excellence access

Associate discount

SmartDollar program

Assistance program

RK Cares program

Chaplaincy services

YMCA membership

Job summary

Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, seeks an Associate Buyer in Mattoon, IL. You will collaborate with the Buyer to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships across categories, aligned with cross-functional teams.

You’ll lead projects, support selling goals, manage inventory, optimize pricing, and build strong supplier relationships to deliver value to stores and customers nationwide.

Qualifications

• At least 1-3 years of retail experience and/or relevant education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with ERP and related systems.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Buyer to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships across categories.
• Lead and drive projects that contribute to Rural King’s growth and success.
• Support selling goals by managing inventory, pricing, and supplier relationships.
• Maintain vendor and product data (style, SKU, pricing, UPC) in internal IMU system.
• Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and basic programs.
• Monitor POs for on-time shipping and coordinate with vendors as needed.
• Develop strong vendor partnerships and negotiate terms and opportunities.

Skills

Retail experience

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Customer service

Communication skills

Job description

Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, seeks an Associate Buyer in Mattoon, IL. You will collaborate with the Buyer to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships across categories, aligned with cross-functional teams.

You’ll lead projects, support selling goals, manage inventory, optimize pricing, and build strong supplier relationships to deliver value to stores and customers nationwide.