Associate Buyer

Notions Marketing Corporation; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading arts distribution company as an Associate Buyer in Grand Rapids, MI. This hybrid role combines analysis and collaboration, working with experienced Buyers to shape strategic category management. Ideal for those with a passion for arts and crafts products, this position offers mentorship and growth potential.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Vacation and sick time

Employee Discounts

Holiday Pay (7 holidays annually)

Life and disability insurance

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; familiarity with merchandising or vendor management desirable.
• Strong Excel skills for data analysis.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, with experience in buying or planning.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales and market data to build competitive assortments.
• Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to drive product success.
• Support product launches and lifecycle planning.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Vendor Management

Strong Excel Skills

Education

Associate's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Join our Growing Buying Team!
Job Title: AssociateBuyer (Hybrid – 3 Days in Office / 2 Days Remote)
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

We’re expanding our Merchandising organization—and looking for an ambitious Associate Buyer who’s ready to roll up their sleeves, grow with us, and make a real impact.
Notions Marketing is the world’s largest creative arts distributor. It’s our job to have on hand every relevant product in the market.

As an Associate Buyer, you’ll work side-by-side with experienced Buyers and cross-functional teams to bring category strategies for paper crafts, paint & art, knit & crochet and more to life. You’ll handle everything from trend research and vendor collaboration to data-driven planning and execution. This opportunity is a launchpad for future leaders with a passion for arts & craft products, analytics, and strategic thinking.

What You’ll Do:

• Analyze sales and market data to help build compelling, competitive assortments
• Collaborate with vendors to gather product specs, negotiate details, and support onboarding
• Partner across teams—Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, eComm—to drive product success
• Support product launches, promotions, and lifecycle planning to maximize category performance
• Join line reviews and strategy sessions, contributing insights and building your business acumen
• Ensure our product content, pricing, and promotions are accurate and aligned across all channels
• Help resolve product-related issues by working closely with internal stakeholders

What You Bring to the Table:
Required:

• Associate’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• Familiarity with merchandising, vendor management, or supply chain (internships welcome!)
• Strong Excel skills (think PivotTables, XLOOKUP, and data analysis)

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree and 1–2 years in buying, planning, or marketing support roles
• Experience with ERP or product management tools
• Knowledge of assortment planning, strategic sourcing, or vendor communications
• Background in cross-functional projects or internships

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• You’ll be joining a collaborative and growing team that values fresh ideas and initiative
• You’ll gain hands-on mentorship and exposure to end-to-end category management
• You’ll work in an environment that champions data-driven decisions and career development
• You’ll play a key role in shaping a category strategy that drives business success

This is more than just a job—it’s a stepping stone into a dynamic, rewarding career. If you're a sharp thinker with a passion for product, analytics, and collaboration, we’d love to meet you.

Apply now and grow your future with us!

Pay & Perks

• Competitive salary starting at $39,000commensurate with experience.
• Medical Insurance, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Vacation and sick time
• Holiday Pay (7 holidays annually)
• Employee Discounts

Department: Buyers
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position
Shift:

Personal Information

* First name
* Last name
* Email
* Address
* City
* State
* Zip code
* Phone number

Attachments

* Attach your Resume Attach Dropbox Paste Attach a Cover letter Attach Dropbox Other supporting documents/attachments (optional) Attach Dropbox

Other Information

* Can you show proof of your legal right to work in the United States? Yes No * Are you at least 18 years of age? Yes No * Are you willing to submit to a drug screen & criminal background check? Yes No * How did you hear about this position? * Are you able to perform the essential functions of the position applied for, either with or without reasonable accommodation? * How would you rate your Microsoft Excel skills? * Do you have a bachelor's degree in a related field? * How many years of experience do you have working in a buying, inventory management or marketing? * Do you have prior experience using ERP systems and product information management (PIM) platforms? * Do you have prior experience with vendor management, including communication, onboarding, or performance tracking? * What are your salary expectations?