Associate Buyer: HBA / Cosmetics (Relocation Supported)

Ocean State Job Lot; North Kingstown (RI); Sur place; USD 80 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)

Comprehensive Health Coverage

401(k) Program

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Tuition Reimbursement

30% Associate Store Discounts

Access to vacation properties

Discounted gym memberships

Free lunch Fridays

Résumé du poste

A major retail company in North Kingstown is seeking an Associate Buyer for Health and Beauty Aids and Cosmetics, responsible for executing buying strategies, managing financial performance, and engaging with vendors. Candidates should have 3+ years in buying, a degree in a related field, and proficiency in data analysis tools. This role offers a salary range of $80,000 - $100,000 and comprehensive benefits including health coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a buying department.
• 2+ years of experience with HBA and cosmetics buying.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel with advanced skills.

Responsabilités

• Own the financial execution for Specialty HBA and Cosmetics.
• Assist in developing buying strategies to increase sales.
• Conduct product research and evaluate market trends.

Connaissances

Product research

Vendor communication

Data analysis

Buying strategy execution

Microsoft Excel

Formation

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Outils

OTB system

Paragon

Qlikview

Description du poste

Company Overview

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description

The Associate Buyer - HBA (Health and Beauty Aids)/Cosmetics role at Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” and “Company”) plays a pivotal role within the Buying team, serving as a trusted backup to the Buyers. This position's small, defined area of fiscal responsibility will be the Specialty HBA and Cosmetics segment, offering comprehensive exposure to the buying function, from category management and trend analysis to vendor relations and purchase order execution. The Associate Buyer role is essential for managing tactical day-to-day operations and optimal inventory levels to drive profitable growth in this high-visibility category. This role collaborates closely with the Buyers as well as the Replenishment and Planning and Allocation teams to ensure flow of high-quality products that meet OSJL’s customers’ needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently exercise discretion in matters of importance such as the financial execution (i.e., “open to buy”, profitability, inventory turn) for the entire Specialty HBA and Cosmetics product area, while assisting the Buyer with all other products in the broader department.
• Assist the Buyer in developing and executing buying strategies demonstrating the ability to increase sales and maximize profitability specifically within the niche of the HBA/Cosmetics segment.
• Conduct thorough product research (including regulatory compliance), evaluate market trends, and gather competitive intelligence to identify growth opportunities, especially relating to new and emerging Health and Beauty Aid brands as well as trending Cosmetics.
• Establish new HBA/Cosmetics categories and support the rebuying and maintenance of established, high-performing specialty items.
• Own the product flow from initial planning and Purchase Order (“PO”) creation to final delivery, ensuring timely and efficient product availability to meet demand, especially for time-sensitive seasonal or promotional beauty items.
• Write, review, and update all purchase orders; process and track POs to ensure timely delivery while adhering to budget constraints, and resolve any issues or discrepancies with vendors.
• Collaborate closely with the Replenishment, Planning, and Allocation teams to manage product delivery timelines, maximize profitability, and ensure adequate in-stock levels for all Specialty HBA/Cosmetics products.
• Develop and utilize reporting tools to analyze business data, identify growth opportunities and risks in assortment, and create comprehensive reports on product performance and sales trends for Buyer review.
• Directly engage with vendors for routine communication regarding product samples, tracking shipments, resolving concerns, and communicating changes in pricing and terms for the specialty HBA/Cosmetics brands.
• Assist the Buyer in evaluating vendor performance to maximize profitability and turn, and make recommendations for adjustments as needed. Partner with legal in regards to compliance with quality or ingredient standards.
• Review and suggest HBA/Cosmetics items for advertised circulars/flyers and partner with the Visual Merchandising team to provide display guidelines (e.g., endcaps, tester displays) and ensure accurate execution in-store and online.
• Provide essential administrative support to the Buyer, including scheduling appointments, preparing presentations, managing documentation, and screening/directing incoming inquiries.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Buying, Business, Finance) is preferred.
• 3 or more years of previous experience in a buying department, allocation, or general retail environment is required.
• 2 or more years of previous experience with HBA and cosmetics buying required.
• Previous experience with an OTB system is highly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, complex formulas) is required.
• Familiarity with analytical and buying platforms (e.g., Paragon, Qlikview, Retail Ideas, or similar ERP/planning tools) is a plus.
• Possess a mindset focused on career growth and a genuine passion for the HBA and Cosmetics buying field.

Work Environment

• Works in an office environment, remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours.
• Travel domestically approximately 5 times a year to attend trade shows and key vendor meetings.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is between $80,000 - $100,000. Salary commensurates with years of relevant experience.

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more.
• 401(k) Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Associate Store 30% Discounts
• Complimentary access to OSJL-owned vacation properties, discounted gym memberships, and 20% off at OSJL affiliated restaurants.
• Free lunch Fridays