Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Buyer

Modern Builders Supply; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Weekly direct deposit

Medical, dental, vision, disability &

life insurance

401k with Company match

Paid vacation, personal time, holidays

Employee discount

Hours: M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Job summary

Modern Builders Supply, Inc. is seeking an Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Buyer to oversee sourcing, merchandising and lifecycle management of outdoor hardgoods and softgoods. You will analyze trends, manage margins, turnover and vendor relationships to maximize profitability.

The role requires strong analytical skills, competitive drive, and the ability to collaborate across teams while staying customer-focused in a fast-paced specialty outdoor retail environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; retail buying experience preferred
• Experience in outdoor or sporting goods is a plus
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making

Responsibilities

• Discover, select, and order seasonal inventory based on sales analytics and trends
• Build and maintain vendor relationships; negotiate pricing
• Monitor stock levels and manage open-to-buy budgets; apply retail math
• Attend trade shows and vendor line-showings

Skills

Vendor management

Product sourcing

Inventory planning

Data analytics

Negotiation

Forecasting

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity with significant growth potential?

Join Team MBS - a progressive Midwest Building Products Distributor!

As a family owned and operated business, Modern Builders Supply (MBS) distributes name brand roofing, siding, windows and doors, kitchens, decking and so much more.

Twenty-seven locations and nearly 400,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing makes MBS the premier distributor in the Midwest with the vision to be “SIMPLY THE BEST.”

As the Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Buyer, your primary role will be to oversee the purchasing, merchandising, and product lifecycle for outdoor hardgoods (hunting, fishing, camping, climbing, water sports, gear) and softgoods (outerwear, apparel, footwear). This role balances trend forecasting, gross margin targets, inventory turnover, and vendor relationships.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Product Sourcing & Selection:Discover, select, and order seasonal inventory, pre-book orders, and reorders based on sales analytics and market trends
• Vendor Management:Build and maintain relationships with outdoor brands and manufacturers, negotiate pricing, handle cooperative marketing funds, and manage return authorizations (RAs) or credits
• Inventory & Financial Planning:Monitor stock levels, track sell-through rates, manage open-to-buy budgets, and apply retail math principles to maximize profitability
• Trade Shows & Showings:Attend industry trade shows and schedule vendor line-showings to evaluate new gear and equipment

A successful Outdoor Recreation & Equipment Buyer candidate must be a career-oriented, highly motivated individual possessing strong analytical skills and a passion for outdoor activities (hiking, camping, paddling, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Standard purchasing procedures and practices
• Outdoor products, including the product lifecycle
• Outdoor industry landscape, consumer trends, and sustainability standards
• Computer programs such as MS Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Internet Explorer

Skilled in:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate to different functions of the organization with the appropriate level of detail
• Active listening by giving full attention to what others are saying, asking appropriate questions and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Analyzing data, information, and situations accurately with a strong attention to detail in order to develop the proper course of action needed to be taken
• Efficient problem-solving, negotiation, and critical thinking
• Retail math, forecasting, and inventory management systems (ERP/MRP)
• Time management, prioritization, and organization

Ability to:

• Take initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Adapt quickly to changes in demand and/or market conditions
• Work independently as well as within a team
• Learn and thrive in a fast paced, ever-changing environment

Other Characteristics

• High school diploma or equivalency; degree in business, supply chain management, or related field preferred
• Minimum 1 year of retail buying, inventory analysis, or store management experience (within the specialty outdoor or sporting goods sector preferred)

Why Join Team MBS

• Competitive wages
• Paid weekly via direct deposit
• Medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, and life insurance
• 401k with Company match
• Paid vacation, personal time, holidays
• Employee discount
• Hours: M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Modern Builders Supply, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.