Associate Buyer – Full Time | NS

About the Role

The Associate Buyer is responsible for supporting the merchandising strategy and execution for assigned front-of-store categories (e.g., Health & Beauty, General Merchandise, Seasonal, Food, Household, Baby, etc.).

This role manages vendor relationships, negotiates costs and promotions, analyzes sales and margin results, and ensures product assortments align with customer needs and company objectives. The Associate Buyer will play a key role in driving sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction in non-prescription categories across the pharmacy chain. 

Key Responsibilities

• Category Management 
• Manage assigned product categories, including assortment planning, SKU rationalization, and lifecycle management. 
• Monitor sales, margins, and inventory levels; make recommendations for adjustments to improve performance. 
• Partner with merchandising team to align category strategies with overall business goals. Vendor & Supplier Relations 
• Build and maintain strong vendor partnerships. 
• Negotiate costs, terms, promotional funding, and service agreements. 
• Source new products and evaluate potential suppliers. 
• Merchandising Execution 
• Develop and implement promotional plans in collaboration with Marketing and Store Operations. 
• Ensure planograms, signage, and merchandising standards are executed effectively. 
• Coordinate product launches and seasonal resets. 
• Completion and execution of product set up and promotions system wide 
• Frequent store visits to keep pulse on products and opportunities 
• Data Analysis & Reporting 
• Review weekly and monthly category performance reports. 
• Identify sales trends, customer preferences, and market opportunities. 
• Provide insights and recommendations to management for business growth. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration 
• Work with Supply Chain to ensure accurate forecasting, replenishment, and inventory flow. 
• Partner with Marketing on ad placement, promotions, and campaigns. 
• Communicate product information, promotions, and merchandising plans to Store Operations. 

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, or category management (pharmacy, grocery, or mass retail experience an asset). 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make sound decisions. 
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills. 
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management capabilities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis/reporting tools. 
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills. 

Success in the role:

• Meets or exceeds sales and margin goals for assigned categories. 
• Effectively balances customer needs with financial performance. 
• Develops strong, collaborative vendor and internal relationships. 
• ​​​​​​​Anticipates market trends and introduces relevant, profitable products. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Very competitive salary, based on experience
• Extended Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• RRSP program
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Opportunities for continued professional development

Why Join MacQuarries Pharmasave?

Our Mission and Vision

• Mission: To make people feel better
• Vision: To be the Drug Store of choice in every community we serve

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