Associate Buyer, Apparel

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

Overview

About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

As an Associate Buyer you will be collaborating with the Buyer to drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.

• Work alongside a team of talented professionals who are passionate about their work and strive for excellence every day.
• Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
• Collaborate with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to support driving sales, managing inventory, and achieving the financial goals of the department.
• Maintain vendor and product information (style, SKU, pricing UPC, etc.) in internal measurement unit (IMU).
• Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and/or basic programs.
• Monitor Purchase Orders (PO’s) for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage and follow up with vendors as needed.
• Maintain order files and execute PO cleanup.
• Relationships
  • Develop strong vendor partnerships.
  • Partner with suppliers on product development, as well as the Global Sourcing department on private product label development, as needed.
  • Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
  • Negotiate all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys.
  • Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
  • Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
  • Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
• Product
  • Stay abreast of market dynamics and competition.
  • Manage pricing, sales, and profit margin of products to plan.
  • Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
  • Conduct category reviews as needed (2-3 per year).
  • Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.
• Planning/Analysis
  • Place, track and insure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
  • Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
  • Generate and leverage reports for effective decision making.
  • Complete assortment planning and product lifecycles.
  • Collaborate to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
  • Optimize "in stock" on basic items.
  • Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and liabilities.
  • Partner with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
• Advertising and Promotion
  • Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic
  • Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5%
  • Collaborate with the E-Commerce Buyer to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies
• Store Planning
  • Provide timely direction on new SKU’s and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms
  • Ensure planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels
• Team Leadership
  • Learn to lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department
  • Learn to create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 1-3 years of retail experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn ERP and other systems.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong communication and persuasive skills to negotiate and influence stakeholders at various levels in the organization.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address challenges that may arise in relationships.
• Ability to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, adapting schedules and plans as necessary.
• Adaptable in response to changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and evolving business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $55,000 - $61,500annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.

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