Associate Buyer — Strategic Sourcing & Growth

Rural King; Mattoon (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Healthcare plans

Telemedicine

Centers of Excellence program

Employee discount 15%

SmartDollar program

Assistance program

Hardship program

Chaplaincy services

YMCA membership

Job summary

Rural King is seeking an Associate Buyer to partner with the Buyer to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships across categories. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to support sales, inventory management, and financial goals.

You will set up vendors, monitor POs, maintain product data in IMU, negotiate terms, and help develop seasonal assortments and promotions while upholding Rural King’s people-first values.

Qualifications

• At least 1-3 years of retail experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with 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.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to drive sales and manage inventory.
• Maintain vendor and product information in IMU.
• Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal/basic programs.
• Monitor POs for on-time shipping and follow up with vendors.
• Maintain order files and PO cleanup.
• Develop strong vendor partnerships and manage promotional strategies for open-to-buy.
• Negotiate pricing and vendor terms.
• Oversee communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
• Plan assortments and pricing to meet financial goals.
• Visit RK Stores to understand store challenges.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Customer service

Retail knowledge

Prioritization

Adaptability

Conflict resolution

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Rural King is seeking an Associate Buyer to partner with the Buyer to drive product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships across categories. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to support sales, inventory management, and financial goals.

You will set up vendors, monitor POs, maintain product data in IMU, negotiate terms, and help develop seasonal assortments and promotions while upholding Rural King’s people-first values.