Assistant Buyer

Enthusiastautoholdings; Wadsworth (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Enthusiastautoholdings is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the Buying team in sourcing and purchasing products that meet customer demand. This role emphasizes vendor communications, inventory management, and data-driven purchasing decisions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical abilities and communication skills are essential, along with a collaborative, proactive mindset. The position offers the opportunity to enhance vendor relationships and improve inventory efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant buying, planning, or inventory management experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to work with inventory and purchasing management systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase products to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Forecast demand and place purchase orders proactively.
• Build relationships with vendors and manage inventory health.
• Analyze product performance and provide actionable recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Sheets

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Planning & Purchasing

• 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.

Vendor Management

• 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.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• 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.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• 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.

Requirements

Education

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

Experience

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

Technical skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• Microsoft Word and Powerpoint

Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

Ability to work with inventory and purchasing management systems

Core Competencies

• 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.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs and Smart Goals

• 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.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Assistant Buyers will:

• 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.