Assistant Buyer: Merchandising & Inventory Growth

Paycom - ATS; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmetto Moon is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support merchandising, procurement, and inventory management for a compelling retail assortment. You will work with cross-functional teams to execute strategies, track performance, and ensure timely product flow to stores.

The role emphasizes collaboration with planning, allocation, marketing, and operations to meet sales and margin goals while maintaining a strong Southern lifestyle product mix.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, planning, or retail operations preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Process orders, track shipments, and manage related documentation.
• Ensure accuracy of purchase orders, invoices, and vendor records.
• Prepare materials for line reviews and internal assortment meetings.
• Create purchase orders and process reorders for weekly inventory replenishment.
• Manage the open order log to ensure order accuracy and timely follow-up.
• Work with monthly plans and current sales trends to manage inventory levels effectively.
• Negotiate volume discounts, pricing, and terms with vendors under Buyer supervision.
• Meet with potential new and current vendors to evaluate product opportunities.
• Produce and review daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance reports.
• Identify opportunities to capitalize on best-sellers and address underperformers.
• Provide actionable insights to the Buyer based on trend analysis.
• Assist in developing merchandising strategies and seasonal assortment plans.
• Partner with the Buyer to identify and research key market trends, emerging categories, and new vendor opportunities.
• Analyze daily and weekly sales reports to identify opportunities and address risks at the style and store level.
• Assist with assortment and merchandising planning to optimize product mix and support sales objectives.
• Support markdown strategy development to address inventory risks.
• Collaborate with the Allocator to determine optimal product distribution at the store level.
• Monitor stock replenishment and identify opportunities to maximize sales and minimize stockouts.
• Work with vendors and the shipping department to ensure timely receipt and delivery of merchandise.
• Maintain and facilitate vendor relationships to ensure strong communication and timely issue resolution.
• Coordinate with marketing to align POP materials and promotions with merchandise plans.
• Facilitate communication between vendors, distribution, and store operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Merchandising/Retail Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Reporting tools

Job description

Palmetto Moon is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support merchandising, procurement, and inventory management for a compelling retail assortment. You will work with cross-functional teams to execute strategies, track performance, and ensure timely product flow to stores.

The role emphasizes collaboration with planning, allocation, marketing, and operations to meet sales and margin goals while maintaining a strong Southern lifestyle product mix.