Merchant/Buyer for Building Materials and Distribution

Job Description

Time Type:

Role Details:

Time Type: Full Time

Starting Pay: DOE

Job Location: 1350 IH 35 N, San Marcos, TX 78667

Job Summary:

The Merchant/Buyer for Building Materials and Distribution is the subject matter expert in assigned categories and defines and manages strategic roles and responsibilities in assigned categories. The Merchant/Buyer for Building Materials and Distribution knows all aspects of Category Management, including, but not limited to, strategies and tactics, assortment planning and development, replenishment, pricing, costing, payment terms, and promotions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Learn and assume responsibility for assigned categories, including full category management.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support sales and customer service goals.
• Create and manage supplier replenishment purchase orders.
• Resolve daily logistics issues, including supply disruptions, transportation delays, and delivery concerns, coordinating between stores and vendors.
• Establish and maintain replenishment parameters and item attributes within the POS system.
• Monitor and update supplier lead times in the POS system based on supply chain performance.
• Manage ordering and inventory levels for promotional items, ads, and special buys in coordination with the Category Manager and Store Planning teams.
• Collaborate with other Merchants on new items, DC network opportunities, seasonality, promotional flow, and excess inventory management.
• Maintain accurate system and vendor information; submit required documentation to Merchandise Services.
• Identify and act on unproductive inventory and excess weeks‑of‑supply.
• Prepare, analyze, and present Program Financial Reviews for stock and special‑order sales, including turnover, gross margin, sales performance, and vendor metrics (lead time, error rates, quality, service).
• Prepare, analyze, and present Program Line Reviews, including competitive comparisons and vendor evaluations; support negotiations and marketing program development.
• Identify and present process improvement opportunities to management.
• Support store operations by communicating negotiated programs and gathering feedback from Regional and Store Managers; address issues and build on successes.
• Meet periodically with existing and prospective vendors to review and plan programs.
• Travel occasionally, including overnight stays.
• Must be able to legally obtain a rental vehicle in all states where the company operates.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to independently manage projects.

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare reports and present to groups.
• Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, and basic geometric concepts.
• Strong analytical skills, including problem definition, data collection, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions and work with both abstract and concrete variables.
• Effective multitasking, prioritization, and follow‑up skills; able to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, IBM Content Manager, MAC21, and other third‑party applications.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university or two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with BI Tools (Cognos Analytics, BI10+ or related tools).
• Experience in inventory control and/or supply chain management with knowledge and understanding of basic and intermediate purchasing principles.
• Proficient in Distribution Center purchasing (container/truckload purchases) and product placement of new items into the distribution network. 
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and IBM Cognos experience.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 10 pounds may be occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Standard office hours apply with occasional weekends and holidays.
• Must be regularly available and willing to work on average 40 to 45 hours per week during business hours or as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet business needs.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.