Buyer and Merchandise Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Upholds the Core Values as determined by the management team. Primary responsibility for all positions with Ace Hardware is to Amaze Every Customer Every Time. Responsible for executing the overall short- and long-term strategy for the merchandise department. Champion the department in creating and maintaining vendor relationships, developing product line strategies and reporting results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the stock position of direct vendor inventory and assist in setting direction for inventory and merchandising strategy in the stores
• Weekly re-buying of inventory and maintain/improve data integrity of IMU
• Plan and execute buying for top vendors including seasonal buys, improve the stock position on micro season categories
• Monitors merchandise mix as well as that of competitors to determine pricing strategy
• Build and maintain SKU’S and maintain seasonal codes
• Implements the financial strategy/cost structure for the categories and sets pricing to achieve category budget and objectives
• Executes the business review of categories on a regular basis, determines modifications or changes to vendors, products, and in-store merchandising
• Manage a close out cadence in the item promotional file
• Responsible for gross margin for assigned category line(s)/department(s)
• Determines advertisement item selection to deliver category strategy
• Influences vendors to support overall department strategy and works to improve all aspects of supplier relationship
• Negotiate with vendors to create the best terms of trade to maximize sales, margins and turn as well as obtaining and monitoring full functional discounts and freight cost reductions
• Develops merchandising strategy to understand key business drivers (e.g. historical performance, industry/competitive landscape, consumer segmentation)
• Attend buying shows, perform pre-show planning, order submission and processing and communicate information to leadership and at the store level
• Utilize compass analytics to make decisions and report on results
• Serve as a principal contributor on various key projects

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum 3 years buying experience in a hardlines retail operation, specifically with a focus in housewares and giftwares
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and pricing
• Knowledge of and expertise in merchandising and retail planning
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Ability to negotiate pricing terms (e.g. functional discounts, freight costs, rebates etc.)
• Highly proficient with computers and related software and applications including MS Office (Excel, Word, etc.) and Google business applications 

Work schedule

• Monday to Friday

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid training