Senior Consumer Electronics Buyer: Category & Negotiations

Corporate Logo; Hilliard (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Micro Center, headquartered in Columbus metro area with a strong presence in Hilliard, OH, seeks a Retail Buyer for Consumer Electronics to lead end‑to‑end category management and vendor negotiations. This senior buyer role focuses on assortment strategy, pricing, and profitable growth across online and store channels.

You will collaborate with Marketing, Web, and Store teams to execute launches, promotions, and content that drive conversions while monitoring market trends and supplier

Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing, or Business preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years merchant experience as a Buyer in the Consumer Electronics industry.
• Strong negotiation skills needed.
• A proven track record of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with vendors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and retail math skills.
• Must be self‑starter who is able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work with speed and accuracy.
• Must be detail‑oriented
• Must be a team player.
• Knowledge of purchasing and forecasting systems required as well as proficiency in MS Office with an emphasis on Excel and Outlook

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end category management for assigned consumer electronics categories, including assortment strategy, pricing, promotions, lifecycle management, and exit strategies.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with established and emerging consumer electronics vendors to bring differentiated, high‑demand products to market at competitive margins.
• Drive revenue growth, gross margin, inventory turns, and GMROI in alignment with Micro Center’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Lead vendor negotiations covering cost, terms, rebates, MDF, coop marketing, exclusives, bundles, and value‑added programs (VIR, attach, and promotional funding).
• Build and execute category strategies based on consumer trends, product roadmaps, competitive intelligence, and store‑level performance data.
• Partner with Marketing and Web teams to shape omnichannel merchandising plans, promotional calendars, launches, and content that drive conversion both in‑store and online.
• Actively monitor competitive pricing, assortment, and promotions, making data‑driven adjustments to pricing and buys to remain market‑leading.
• Forecast demand and manage open‑to‑buy to ensure optimal inventory levels, minimizing risk while supporting peak selling periods and key launches.
• Analyze SKU‑level performance, vendor scorecards, and market data to optimize assortments and continuously improve category results.
• Identify and assess new business opportunities, technologies, and product categories consistent with Micro Center’s short‑and long‑term growth strategies.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Distribution, Transportation, Stores, Web Development, Marketing, Finance, Planning, and Allocation teams to execute category plans seamlessly.
• Support store operations and sales teams through product knowledge, assortment rationale, and merchandising direction to enhance customer experience
• Stay current on consumer electronics trends, technology advancements, and customer buying behavior to inform buying decisions and strategic recommendations

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor relationships

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Team player

Self-starter

Retail math

Education

B.S. in Retail Merchandising/Marketing/Business

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Purchasing systems

Job description

Micro Center, headquartered in Columbus metro area with a strong presence in Hilliard, OH, seeks a Retail Buyer for Consumer Electronics to lead end‑to‑end category management and vendor negotiations. This senior buyer role focuses on assortment strategy, pricing, and profitable growth across online and store channels.

You will collaborate with Marketing, Web, and Store teams to execute launches, promotions, and content that drive conversions while monitoring market trends and supplier