Assistant Buyer

Big Lots, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Variety Wholesalers, Inc. in Columbus, OH is seeking a Purchasing Coordinator to create and process purchase orders, research discrepancies, and maintain open-to-buy files while tracking orders across multiple categories.

You will coordinate end-to-end sample processes, provide admin support, help with merchandise planning and presentation development, and ensure accurate signage and marketing data. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma; bachelor’s degree preferred
• 1-3 years of retail/purchasing experience is common in the role
• Strong communication and organizational skills required
• Detail oriented with analytical thinking and ability to learn new systems quickly

Responsibilities

• Create and process purchase orders with accuracy and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain open-to-buy files and track orders
• Prepare reports, presentations, and queries as needed
• Coordinate end-to-end sample processes for assigned categories
• Provide administrative support including scheduling and calendar coordination
• Review quality of pre-ticketing, signage, and marketing data
• Assist with merchandise planning and presentation development
• Coordinate attribute sheets and SKU setup, plus data maintenance
• Understand financial metrics and participate in vendor meetings as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Skills

Purchase orders

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Systems literacy

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Creates and prepares purchase orders and ensures they are accurate and complete for input into the system. Researches and resolves purchase order discrepancies or issues.
• Maintains open to buy files and tracks orders.
• Collects and researches information. Prepares various presentations, reports, queries, etc. and distributes as needed.
• Coordinates and ensures the efficient execution of the end-to-end sample process for assigned categories.
• Provides administrative support for the assigned division and associates as needed including scheduling appointments and maintaining and coordinating calendars to include meetings, lunches, special events, and conference calls.
• Reviews and ensures quality pre-ticketing, signage, and marketing accuracy.
• Assists with merchandise and assortment planning and merchandise presentation development.
• Coordinates attribute sheets and SKU setup, along with data maintenance.
• Creates electronic package requests and assists with packaging development.
• Understands and supports the financial metrics of the assigned categories and may participate in vendor meetings and negotiations.
• Performs other duties as assigned at the discretion of the reporting management team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field preferred
• One to three years of retail experience preferred.
• Strong communication, prioritization, collaboration, and organization skills required.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and critical thinking skills required.
• Systems savvy with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Self-starter with the ability to work under general supervision required.

Behaviors

Preferred

• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Preferred

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.