ASSOCIATE BUYER JOB DESCRIPTION

An Associate Buyer owns a defined slice of a retail category - the assortment decisions, the vendor negotiations, and the open-to-buy that determine whether a department hits its seasonal gross margin plan. The role sits one level below the Buyer, with shared financial accountability for sales, sell-through, and inventory turn across assigned categories. Markdowns get managed here. So do vendor relationships, competitive comp shops, and the weekly OTB reconciliation that keeps liquidity available for opportunistic buys. It is a role that demands both analytical precision and market instinct in equal measure.

As the Associate Buyer, you will own category assortment strategy and vendor negotiations across assigned departments, translating seasonal financial plans into merchandise selections that meet sales, gross margin, and inventory turn targets. You will work alongside the Buyer and collaborate with Planning, Allocation, and Visual Merchandising teams to align on receipt flow, in-season adjustments, and the strategic initiatives that keep the assortment competitive.

Career Impact: Building fluency in open-to-buy management, markdown strategy, and seasonal assortment planning positions you as a well-rounded commercial merchant ready to step into a Buyer role within a defined timeline.

Business Impact: The assortment decisions made at this level determine which products reach the sales floor, at what price, and in what depth - directly shaping the category's contribution to gross margin and customer retention.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to multi-channel buying across full-price and off-price channels, combined with hands-on vendor negotiation, accelerates the skill set needed to manage an independent category as a Senior or Lead Buyer.

• Own the open-to-buy for assigned categories, balancing liquidity for opportunistic buys against planned receipt flow.
• Develop seasonal assortment strategies aligned with planning targets for sales, SKU counts, and gross margin.
• Negotiate vendor terms including discounts, dating, RTVs, and promotional allowances to improve category margin.
• Analyze class and vendor performance weekly, identifying markdown candidates, reorder opportunities, and assortment gaps.
• Partner with Planning and Allocation to manage in-season inventory adjustments including transfers, markdowns, and returns.
• Comp shop competitors and attend vendor market appointments to identify trend opportunities and competitive pricing gaps.
• Prepare and present seasonal buy strategies and assortment recaps to the Buyer and senior merchandising leadership.
• Develop and mentor merchandise assistants or assistant buyers through coaching and day-to-day guidance.

• Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of buying, assistant buying, or merchandising experience, with demonstrated category ownership.
• Proficiency in retail math including markup, margin planning, open-to-buy, and sell-through calculation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, draw conclusions, and translate findings into action.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence vendor partners and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines across concurrent category responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently on assigned categories while collaborating closely with the Buyer and cross-functional teams.

• Experience buying across both full-price and off-price or ecommerce channels, with familiarity in packaway merchandise strategy.
• Knowledge of fashion trend forecasting, fabric construction, and design silhouette evaluation relevant to apparel or accessories categories.
• Prior experience presenting assortment strategies to a Director or VP level audience, including financial plan rationale.
• Internship or foundational experience specifically in a structured buying office or retail merchandising program.

• Gross margin percentage for assigned categories, measured against seasonal plan.
• Sell-through rate by class and vendor, tracked weekly against planned turn targets.
• Open-to-buy variance, reflecting accuracy of receipt flow management against plan.
• Markdown rate as a percentage of net sales, measuring assortment and timing decisions.
• Vendor on-time delivery rate for purchase orders within assigned category portfolio.
• Typical tools: Spreadsheet and planning applications (commonly Excel or Google Sheets); retail merchandise systems (commonly JDA or AS/400-based platforms).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 annually, varying by market and retailer size.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5 to 10 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Uncommon at this level; offered at select publicly traded retailers.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by retailer.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Employee merchandise discount, hybrid or in-office schedule, market trip reimbursement.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The Associate Buyer owns procurement of assigned suppliers, commodities, and product categories within an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment, ensuring materials meet quality requirements, technical specifications, and delivery expectations. Reporting to the purchasing department, the Associate Buyer supports supply chain continuity by negotiating supplier agreements, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining compliance with cGMP standards and regulatory audit requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage assigned suppliers, commodities and product categories to ensure the business receives material, parts, assemblies and finished goods and services that meet quality requirements, technical specifications, low cost objectives and delivery expectations.
• Maintain inventory in SAP, maintain supplier diversity program by updating supplier profiles and collecting relevant supporting documents, and monitor and report on inventory turnover and shrinkage to optimize inventory and minimize cost while maintaining supply chain flexibility.
• Support sourcing and procurement needs driven by new product development programs and sustaining engineering or marketing changes to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation throughout the supply chain.
• Develop and implement appropriate commodity strategies for sustaining the company's short and long-term plans and operational excellence, including identifying, evaluating and developing alternative sources to improve quality, costs and delivery.
• Establish metrics and maintain records pertaining to purchased materials and services to control cost, purchased part variance, quality, delivery, logistics and inventory; provide general support for the purchasing department including generating reports, performing cost-saving analyses, gathering data for ad-hoc projects, and reconciling Accounts Payable invoices.
• Negotiate robust service contracts and supplier agreements to leverage cost and quality services, mitigate supply risks, and build supplier relationships.
• Manage the supplier change notification system, conduct risk assessments of critical and complex supply chain elements, and generate thorough written reports summarizing investigations for out-of-specification results or out-of-procedure events.
• Participate in regulatory and internal inspections and audits including providing written responses as applicable, and adhere strictly to procedures, documentation standards and practices according to FDA regulations and departmental corporate safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Material Science or closely related field required; APICS or CPIM certification preferred.
• Related industrial purchasing experience preferred, particularly in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated environment involving chemicals, tubing, filters, or packaging; basic understanding of purchasing fundamentals, inventory control, and supply chain principles required.
• Ability to read and understand specification sheets, drawings, and regulations (cGMP, QS, ISO) preferred; expertise in material flow process knowledge and experience in strategic sourcing, negotiation of complex business issues and risk assessments preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions, prioritize multiple tasks, meet targeted deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail; self-starter work ethic with strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with personnel at all levels.
• Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and sound knowledge of ERP/MRP (SAP) systems for planning and purchasing preferred.
• Must be flexible with working hours and shifts to accommodate 24-hour, 7-day plant operation.

Embedded within the merchandising team at Legends/Century 21, the Associate Buyer assists the Buyer in procuring merchandise for a designated segment of the business, working toward sales and profit objectives through brand acquisitions and fashion-right assortments. Working closely with the Buyer, key vendor principals, and store management, the Associate Buyer builds supplier relationships and takes a leadership role in maintaining merchandise direction and financial accountability for an assigned portion of the business.

Core Functions

• Serve as a FlourishC21 ambassador by embracing and demonstrating Legends/Century 21's Higher Purpose of "Delivering Value to Live Better" and Core Values.
• Drive revenue by procuring the best brands and the most compelling product assortments at the sharpest prices, and assist in buying responsibilities once Buyer determines proficiency.
• Ensure timely delivery of merchandise through consistent communication and follow-up with vendors and distribution center; manage and project markdowns.
• Manipulate spreadsheets and reports to complete thorough business analysis, analyze sales performance to make recommendations that maximize sales, and take appropriate business actions based on weekly performance analysis in conjunction with the buyer.
• Demonstrate a passion to be fashion forward and fashion-right, stay well versed in trend orientation and competitive market research, and understand target customer by store and competitor's strengths, weaknesses and strategy.
• Communicate through effective and appropriate channels with store management, team members and the vendor and merchant community to maintain merchandise direction and achieve department goals; maintain and manage portion of the business independently and remain accountable for financial outcome of specific area.
• Participate in the development and training of Assistant Buyer.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work history.
• Strategic thinker with vision, awareness of surroundings, and flexibility to drive new direction by thinking long term; strong retail math acumen including elements of markup, margin planning and open to buy.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, business and financial analysis skills with strong attention to detail; ability to work well with all levels of management, build partnerships and direct teams.
• Highly organized with the ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities in a fast-paced off-price environment.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Reporting to the Buying Manager and Lead, the Associate Buyer supports the Buying and Planning team in establishing the optimal commercial assortment for North America full-price store and ecommerce businesses, with shared financial accountability for product area performance. Partnering with planning, distribution, and visual presentation teams, the Associate Buyer shapes seasonal strategies, manages in-season assortment adjustments, and drives category growth through vendor engagement and market intelligence.

Primary Duties

• Support the Buying and Planning team to establish the optimal commercial assortment for the North America full-price store and ecommerce businesses, with bottom-line financial accountability for product area shared with Buyer and Planner.
• Partner with the Buying Manager and Lead to formulate and profitably execute the development, selection, procurement and promotion of merchandise, and develop seasonal product assortment strategies that align with planning targets of sales, SKU counts, productivity and product trends.
• Review product assortments with Buyer to ensure integration of brands and balance of price points, and partner with planning to continuously manage the business through in-season analysis and tactical adjustments.
• Support in-season assortment management including allocations, stock transfers, markdowns, returns, and regular communication with visual presentation regarding inventory levels and assortment changes.
• Participate in fiscal planning by recommending areas of strategic focus, identify growth and down-trending businesses and brands, and plan and project basic and key item styles; conduct weekly, monthly and quarterly strategy meetings with buyer and facilitate ongoing communication with planning and distribution teams.
• Visit and sell-in stores monthly, shop competition regularly for trends and product opportunities, and create unit buys for seasonal assortments aligned with seasonal plans and new initiatives.
• Develop and manage merchandise assistant through training, coaching and development plans.

Skills & Qualifications

• Customer, marketplace and product expert with multi-category and multi-channel experience.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint with strong analytical skills and retail math comprehension.
• Effective cross-functional communication and presentation skills with effective leadership and team building skills including the ability to motivate, negotiate and influence across departments and divisions.
• Decision-making capability driven by conceptualizing future opportunities and developing strategic product and business initiatives; creative, assertive and solution-oriented when faced with difficult business performance or challenging directives.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and direct multiple activities independently while consistently making confident recommendations and accepting accountability for achieving business goals.

Sitting at the intersection of business development and category management, the Associate Buyer II serves as the orientation role for H-E-B's Business Development career path, supporting Partners with limited BDM or Buyer experience as they learn buying and merchandising activities across assigned categories. Operating across Supply Chain, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, and Shelf Edge teams, the Associate Buyer II builds category strategies, manages vendor cost negotiations, and executes pricing initiatives to meet financial and merchandising objectives.

Duties

• Independently learn and participate in all buying and merchandising activities relating to specific assigned categories with training BDM/Buyer.
• Participate in and learn the process of understanding market trends, best buying practices, merchandising, pricing, growth and development of assigned categories.
• Work with assigned BDM to learn and participate in decisions on assortment, product placement, acquisition timing, distribution and financial results related to such decisions.
• Independently manage own category or portion of larger category, develop strategies, create cluster and space plans, and manage cost negotiation activities with vendors.
• Ensure products are competitively priced, meeting price image objectives and financial objectives, and manage pricing projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Ensure consistent pricing communication materials and branding throughout pricing programs, processes, policies and other H-E-B initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with BDMs/Buyers, Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, and other related areas to provide input and develop category strategies.
• Manage cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies and participate in or coordinate special projects as assigned by the Dir Merchandising.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, finance, a related field, or comparable experience.
• 2 years of experience in business, merchandising/procurement, or Store Operations.
• Working knowledge and experience in systems, process, analysis, product information data flow, category trends, promotional planning, and category performance analysis.
• Analytical, problem-solving, negotiating, influencing, organization and project management skills.
• PC skills including MS Office and software programs required by the job; ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines and attention to detail.
• Ability to navigate through the organization, work collaboratively on cross-functional teams, comprehend product information data flow, and provide proactive solutions with limited direction.
• Ability to travel by car or plane with overnight stays, work extended hours, sit for extended periods, and regularly lift 20 lbs or more.

A key member of the procurement team, the Associate Buyer manages day-to-day purchasing activities including requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier relationships to ensure goods and services are delivered on time, within cost targets, and in compliance with customer and company requirements. Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, the Associate Buyer conducts bid processes, evaluates quotes, and drives continuous improvement across the supply base.

Functions

• Manage day-to-day activities in support of the procurement of materials and services including obsolescence, engineering changes, part revisions, invoice issues, pricing discrepancies, expediting/de-expediting, cancellations, and management of defective materials.
• Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for the procurement of goods, services and supplies accurately and on time to ensure all goods and services are supplied in accordance with customer and company requirements while optimizing inventory levels.
• Manage relationships with designated suppliers to ensure quality, cost, delivery and responsiveness targets are achieved; manage day-to-day supplier quality, pricing and delivery issues and facilitate internal and external meetings as required to address issues and enforce contract obligations.
• Initiate bid/quote process for services, supplies and equipment; prepare bid documents, oversee the bid process, perform bid analysis, and make recommendations regarding purchases.
• Evaluate reports to define procurement needs, determine corrective actions, and identify areas for continuous improvement; prepare requests for quotations, evaluate quotes, select suppliers, and create and approve purchase orders.
• Liaise with external customers as required and manage specific custom commodities with high viability to balance demand while maintaining an understanding of each supplier's capabilities and current capacity.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to research and analyze data effectively, gather and compile information, and prepare reports.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with presentation and stakeholder influencing abilities.
• Track record of building and maintaining customer/client relationships with excellent customer service orientation.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to multi-task, and able to work independently with minimal supervision to meet deadlines.
• Strong prioritization, strategic planning, and supervisory skills including delegation, training, evaluating performance, team building, and conflict management.

Accurate and cost-controlled procurement depends on the Associate Buyer, who manages purchase orders through all lifecycle stages and collaborates with business unit stakeholders to align purchasing activity with standard practices and company cost control goals. Based within the Sourcing team, the Associate Buyer maintains supplier community relationships, supports vendor performance auditing, and contributes to product standardization and inventory optimization initiatives.

Accountabilities

• Actively and consistently support all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience.
• Manage purchase orders through all stages including creation, change, tracking, receipt, invoicing and PO closure.
• Collaborate with BU stakeholders to understand purchase requirements for products or services.
• Manage 3-way match process through closure and verify that requested purchases are aligned with standard purchasing practices or escalate to the appropriate Sourcing Team Member.
• Maintain productive relationships in the supplier community and assist with auditing vendor performance on invoice and shipment discrepancies, communicating results with internal departments on issue resolution.
• Contribute to cost control initiatives by actively participating in vendor reduction, product standardization, excess material liquidation, item master cleanup, and maintenance activities.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience in purchasing life cycle methodology (0–3 years) and experience in negotiation and project management (0–2 years).
• Knowledge of physical database structures, disaster recovery, and best practices with troubleshooting skills to isolate and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented with emphasis on accuracy and analysis of various data structures, with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and organize effectively, work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment, handle multiple projects, and analyze and interpret data.

As the Associate Buyer, this role executes and manages procurement of raw materials and commodity purchases in support of production or aftermarket requirements, handling the full purchase order lifecycle from source development through closeout. The procurement team relies on this work to achieve material cost savings through negotiations, maintain delivery commitments, and ensure compliance with government consent and authority requirements on contracts of moderate complexity.

Scope of Work

• Develop, execute and manage the procurement of raw materials and commodity purchases including developing sources, preparing requests for proposals, negotiating, administering and controlling purchases in support of production or aftermarket support.
• Support the successful resolution of Quality Notifications and structure purchase orders with proper authorities, approvals, and Government consent as applicable.
• Administer all matters related to purchase orders through their lifecycle including proper closeout, and achieve material cost savings through direct negotiations, enhanced competition, resourcing, e-auctions and alternate material substitutions.
• Provide accurate and timely status of pending deliveries, perform effective expediting activities, support EAC and new program material estimates for assigned commodities, and support inventory and material management activities.
• May recommend improvements to procurement processes and procedures, and complete larger procurements with moderate manager oversight.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering or Purchasing/Material Management desired with little or no experience as a Buyer/Planner; Associate's degree or HS Diploma with relevant business experience also considered; prior experience buying tangible goods required.
• A.P.P. or C.P.M certification or progress towards these certifications desirable.
• Experience in Defense procurement or bid and proposal work highly desirable; ability to understand military specs and read blueprints; knowledge and use of price and cost analysis required.
• Must have strong computer skills in MS Office applications; experience with procurement MIS systems and MRP or demonstrated aptitude a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required; strong customer service mentality; ability to multi-task with strong organizational skills.

Associate Buyer manages purchasing activities for Garmin's electronics manufacturing operations, receiving requisitions, administering the Purchase Card program, and overseeing supplier delivery schedules to support production continuity. The work directly supports departmental goals and continuous improvement of products, procedures, and services by ensuring on-time delivery and accurate assessment of supplier capabilities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Receive requisitions for goods and services to be purchased.
• Manage Purchase Card program to reduce administrative costs with ordering small dollar purchases and maintain records on Purchase Card program to assure traceability.
• Authorize purchases within approval authority and obtain approvals for purchases beyond personal authority.
• Manage the planning, ordering and delivery of goods and services to ensure on-time delivery.
• Routinely review scheduled supplier deliveries in support of the most recent production schedule by sending out expedite and de-expedite reports as needed.
• Ensure departmental goals and metrics are established through continued improvements and apply expertise to continuously improve products, procedures, and services.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations or Material or equivalent experience preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or repair purchasing.
• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of manufacturing requirements and ability to assess supplier capabilities relevant to Garmin's business needs.
• Must demonstrate strong verbal, written, interpersonal, negotiating and analytical skills with a proven track record of prioritizing, organizing and multi-tasking.
• Demonstrated proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint; previous Oracle experience a plus.

The Associate Buyer delivers tactical purchasing support under direct supervision, performing vendor management, cost tracking, and contract record maintenance for DRS across assigned commodity areas. Serving as the primary contact between DRS personnel and suppliers, the Associate Buyer builds professional vendor relationships, communicates performance metrics, and applies foundational knowledge of procurement law and price analysis to minimize risk.

Work Activities

• Perform a variety of general tactical duties as required to support purchasing activities.
• Under direct supervision, assist in negotiations and apply limited knowledge of commercial contract law and guidelines, practices and requirements to assess, plan and negotiate best terms and conditions and minimize risk.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers and may resolve issues such as pricing, quality, timing, claims and contract disputes associated with terms and conditions of service agreements.
• Understand demand and spend profile for commodity areas and provide this information as necessary; track and report cost savings or avoidances.
• Maintain current accurate records and files of all vendor agreements and related procurement records; may assist in sourcing initiatives.
• Communicate supplier performance and serve as the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers.

Background & Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience with 0–1 years of experience in Purchasing; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Requires the ability to understand and adhere to all laws pertaining to procurement, contracts and breach of contract.
• Experience in Defense procurement or bid and proposal work highly desirable; ability to understand military specs and read blueprints.
• Knowledge and use of price and cost analysis required.
• Basic negotiating skills required.

Embedded within the global procurement function, the Associate Buyer executes medium-complexity sourcing requests and drives implementation of local sourcing decisions aligned with regional and global category strategies. Working closely with the global category team and local stakeholders, the Associate Buyer builds procurement landscape knowledge, administers supplier transactions, and applies P2P processes and tools including GEP, Ariba, and SAP.

Role Responsibilities

• Execute medium-complexity requests for the sourcing process.
• Drive implementation of local sourcing decisions and support local implementation of regional or global sourcing decisions.
• Provide local inputs to the global category team for category strategy development and execution.
• Build and apply a comprehensive understanding of the local, stakeholder and procurement landscape.
• Follow established procedures to select suppliers for procurement of non-contracted materials, goods, services and supplies.
• Administer transactions associated with obtaining goods and services and handle basic issues under direct supervision while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in English required.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of procurement systems, P2P Processes, and purchasing strategies.
• Familiarity with Business Analytics Tools (GEP), Ariba eSourcing and Contracts, Ariba Procure to X, SAP, and PowerBI.
• Ability to handle basic issues independently and escalate more complex issues to appropriate staff.

The Associate Buyer produces category assortment strategies and executes day-to-day merchandising business processes for Sally Beauty Holdings, the world's largest wholesale and retail beauty supply distributor, with direct responsibility for a designated portion of the aggregate category. Reporting to the Buyer and working with cross-functional teams, the Associate Buyer develops vendor relationships, manages pricing and promotional strategy, and supports long-term category growth to maximize sales and gross margin objectives.

Job Functions

• Develop the assortment strategy for a portion of the aggregate category and work collaboratively with vendor and cross-functional teams to maximize first-to-market approach of on-trend products and promotional and pricing strategy.
• Support the category management process by researching, analyzing and drawing conclusions from customers, data, vendors, needs and task analyses to provide a concise, logical merchandising focus; identify and promote new products and trends in a timely manner to maximize sales potential.
• Build and execute strategic business plans collaboratively to ensure overall category success and achieve company objectives; contribute to the flyer building and buying process ensuring all deadlines are adhered to and measure effectiveness of advertising offers through sell-through.
• Manage the pricing process independently or with support to ensure accuracy and a competitive position; negotiate with vendors to reduce costs and increase margins including special terms, discounts, allowances and payment dating.
• Identify and devise profitable exit strategies for slow-selling items, discontinued items, package changes and poor promotional sell-through, including vendor participation.
• Attend vendor meetings and tradeshow presentations to identify sales opportunities through new products, trends and competitive strategies.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in Business or Purchasing preferred.
• 2–4 years of Merchandising or Planning and Allocation experience in a related field; consumer goods and services preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills combined with high creative potential; ability to multi-task with accuracy.
• Leadership qualities and work ethics that dictate the standards for the department; ability to communicate with and influence all levels of staff.
• Computer skills including AS 400 Operating System, Excel, Microsoft Word and Outlook; JDA experience a plus.

Reporting to the engineering and operations leadership at Diode Dynamics, the Associate Buyer/Planner refines supplier demand planning, purchase order management, and inventory stocking for purchased components across domestic and foreign supply bases. Partnering with engineering, accounting, and warehouse teams, the Associate Buyer/Planner enables cost reduction, quality assurance, and supply compliance through data-driven continuous improvement and bilingual supplier communication.

Key Deliverables

• Manage supplier demand planning to ensure effective inventory stocking levels and maintain Kanban organization on production and facility supplies.
• Write, schedule, and issue all purchase orders; coordinate supplier returns and interface with accounting on invoice discrepancies.
• Work with other departments regarding material or product status and coordinate production planning issues due to material availability.
• Ensure the supply base operates with full compliance to current policies and procedures.
• Negotiate cost reductions on purchased components from both domestic and foreign suppliers and use data analysis to drive continuous improvement and deliver savings to the business.
• Coordinate audit activities with suppliers to meet quality management system requirements.
• Assist engineering in sourcing efforts, procure samples when needed, and communicate with suppliers regarding quality issues of delivered products and materials.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in electronics/materials and purchasing preferred.
• Knowledge of business and management principles in strategic planning, customer and personal service, transportation, and production and processing.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills required; Mandarin Chinese written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be able to travel internationally 1–2 times per year for supplier visits and communicate occasionally with overseas suppliers on nights and weekends.

The Associate Buyer at Thirteen Chefs oversees vendor relationship management, purchase order creation, and quality control for a growing small business specializing in kitchen wares, home goods, and outdoor living products, supporting both buying and administrative operations. Collaborating with the broader team across buying, logistics, warehouse, and marketing functions, the Associate Buyer researches product trends, reads sourcing contracts, and contributes hands-on to warehouse operations during peak season.

Areas of Ownership

• Create purchase orders for vendors and establish and maintain relationships with new and existing vendors and suppliers.
• Perform light accounting, bookkeeping and accounts payable duties.
• Read contracts, sourcing guides and pursue continuing education in new areas of importing.
• Research new trends and products for development and design.
• Create, edit, and analyze spreadsheets and reports.
• Manage quality control and ensure proper receiving procedures.
• Help in the warehouse when needed including packing boxes, bagging items, and labeling items.

Position Requirements

• BA or AA in Communication, Marketing, Business, Arts, Graphic Design or Languages preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a Buyer, in an Administrative Role, as a Paralegal, or as a Bookkeeper.
• Extremely strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy; ability to translate and apply technical instructions; strong written English skills with the ability to communicate with non-native English speakers.
• Bookkeeping or accounting experience (QuickBooks, Zoho, Excel) required; functional knowledge and experience in spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) required.
• Basic graphic design or experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or Creative Suite; content writing skills and any legal background an asset.
• Fluency in Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish, French or German an asset.
• Ability to stand for entire shift and lift up to 35 pounds for warehouse days.

Compensation includes: full medical and dental benefits, two weeks PTO plus most federal holidays, flex hours, happy co-workers and performance bonuses. We also have free snacks, coffee and a weekly team lunch, but that's currently on hiatus while we are in remote-work mode. Plus, we have a take-as-you-need unpaid personal time for what life tosses your way (family road trip, kids getting the flu, home delivery, etc).

Associate Buyer executes and manages raw material and commodity purchases for Textron Systems' Marine & Land Systems division, developing technical expertise across assigned commodities in support of craft or vehicle production and aftermarket requirements. Success in the position means managing the full purchase order lifecycle, achieving material cost savings through direct negotiations and resourcing, and providing timely delivery status to keep production programs on schedule.

Performance Expectations

• Develop sources, prepare requests for proposals, negotiate, administer and control purchases of raw materials and commodity type items.
• Support the successful resolution of Quality Notifications (QNs) and structure purchase orders with proper authorities, approvals and Government consent as applicable.
• Administer all matters related to purchase orders through their lifecycle including proper closeout.
• Achieve material cost savings through direct negotiations, enhanced competition, resourcing, e-auctions and alternate material substitutions.
• Provide accurate and timely status of pending deliveries and perform effective expediting activities as required.
• Support EAC and new program material estimates for assigned commodities and support inventory and material management activities as required.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering or Purchasing/Material Management desired with little or no experience as a Buyer/Planner.
• A.P.P. or C.P.M certification or progress towards these certifications desirable.
• Experience with procurement MIS systems and MRP or demonstrated aptitude a plus.
• Must have strong computer skills in MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

The Associate Buyer delivers seasonal product assortment development and financial plan execution for a retail organization, collaborating with Planning and vendor partners to meet sales, gross margin, and inventory targets across assigned categories. Reporting to the buying team, the Associate Buyer drives merchandise receipt flow, optimizes store-level buying allocation, and applies strong retail math skills to support accurate, data-driven strategic decisions.

What You'll Do

• Develop product assortment and merchandise point of view, ensuring that the collection is compelling, commercially viable, and supports overall business objectives.
• Ensure timely delivery of the merchandise through consistent communication and follow-up with the vendor and Planning.
• In collaboration with Planning, drive seasonal strategies and financial plans to meet sales, gross margin, and inventory goals.
• Collect, review, and analyze financial data, ensuring accuracy for strategic decisions, and analyze class and vendor performance to identify product opportunities, trends and offerings that will impact the business.
• Ensure proper receipt flow, monitoring receipt of goods and tracking orders; optimize buying by store to maximize opportunities by market and follow up with appropriate allocation.
• Perform physical requirements of the position including prolonged periods of sitting, use of hands and fingers, occasional standing, walking, reaching, climbing, and exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently to move objects.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2–4 years of buying experience required; preferably in a luxury retail environment.
• Must have strong retail math skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks while multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment; strong presentation, listening, written and oral communication skills; ability to skillfully analyze problems, formulate logical rationale for decisions, and take action.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer skills.

Embedded within the merchandising division at Ross Stores, the Associate Buyer manages OTB, packaway receipts, and vendor partnerships to continuously improve product assortments through competitive comp shopping and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with Merchandise Planning, Store Planning, and distribution divisions, the Associate Buyer anticipates supply risks, negotiates favorable packaway terms, and builds trust with vendor and cross-functional partners to drive desired business results.

Operational Focus

• Manage the OTB to ensure the availability of liquidity for opportunistic buys.
• Manage receipts in terms of balancing assortments and flexing from flow versus packaway.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility in negotiating for packaway goods to offset additional costs of storing merchandise such as additional dating and vendors holding merchandise.
• Budget and release packaway merchandise in a proactive and cost-effective manner and take calculated risks in securing merchandise and opportunistic buys into packaway.
• Collaborate closely and build trust among vendors and cross-functional partners to drive desired results.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of 3 years of prior buying experience either buying in a regional-size retailer or as an associate buyer in a large retail chain.
• Thorough knowledge of merchandising and technical aspects of merchandising including fabric, design and silhouettes.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, conceptual, and retail math skills.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to partner with and influence vendors and cross-functional partners.
• Strong PC skills with an emphasis on spreadsheet applications.

The Associate Buyer at Harvest Roasting guides inbound supply chain operations including inventory management, purchase order generation, and demand forecasting to support Scooter's Coffee store operations within a vertically integrated food manufacturing and distribution company. Collaborating with warehouse and operations teams, the Associate Buyer monitors planning data accuracy, forecasts price and demand trends, and participates in process improvement initiatives to reduce expenses and strengthen supply continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate and distribute accurate purchase orders and procurement documentation.
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Monitor and forecast price, market trends and upcoming levels of demand.
• Assess, manage, and mitigate risks and manage stocked items to targeted inventory levels.
• Monitor the accuracy of planning data and recommend reorder point modifications based on usage patterns.
• Plan inbound replenishments and inter-warehouse transfers in coordination with warehouse team.
• Participate in special projects as directed, including process improvement teams.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or work equivalent in Supply Chain Management.
• 3+ years of experience in procurement in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to analyze data, form conclusions, create business cases, reduce costs, and work collaboratively with suppliers and plant operations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and ability to follow special instructions; ability to work independently and function effectively as a team member with strong customer service and problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task and work in a change-filled environment.

The Associate Buyer coordinates the selection and procurement of products for a leading biopharmaceutical company, managing purchase orders through SAP, resolving invoice discrepancies, and maintaining positive vendor relations to support the purchasing department's operational goals. Serving as a key contact for supplier quality issues and cost analysis, the Associate Buyer enables accurate inventory management and timely procurement aligned with pharmaceutical standards and cGMP requirements.

Core Responsibilities

• Create and maintain purchase orders through SAP system-generated requisitions and MRO requirements.
• Ensure invoice and PO discrepancies received from finance are addressed promptly.
• Create purchase requisitions and complete service receipts.
• Conduct cost analysis on the comparison of various materials and services for initial or continued procurement.
• Negotiate terms and pricing on the procurement of goods and services and may assist with the contract process as required.
• Investigate and resolve supplier material quality issues and source alternative materials.
• Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.

Experience & Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management or a related field, or a combination of education/training and relevant work experience.
• 1–2 years of procurement experience.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical standards and cGMP an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong problem-solving skills; ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; team-oriented with strong internal customer focus.
• ERP system (SAP preferred) experience an asset.

Associate Buyer strengthens the vendor matrix and product category portfolio for the largest independently owned daily deal company in the country, working daily with vendors to negotiate off-price product and meet financial targets through high-autonomy decision-making. The work directly supports the company's revenue goals by identifying new products and categories, monitoring online competitors, and building collaborative vendor partnerships within an assigned business unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain collaborative partnerships and negotiate effectively with vendors, including negotiating off-price product.
• Communicate effectively with assistant buyer, fellow buyers and other internal teams on a daily basis.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit with openness to new ideas and the ability to create a business within a business.
• Exercise strong decision-making skills with a high level of autonomy including the ability to negotiate and make on-the-spot decisions.
• Identify and shop online competitors and manage a substantial vendor matrix.
• Meet and/or surpass financial target expectations and seek out new products and categories.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree with an excellent academic record or relevant work experience.
• 3+ years of buying experience preferred; experience buying for an online and/or off-price channel preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with a motivated, team-player nature and high attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel); experience in SAP Business One software a plus.

The Associate Buyer at Tuckernuck crafts seasonal buying strategies and manages vendor relationships across multiple categories to achieve the Founders' overall brand and financial objectives, overseeing the brands that make up the category matrix. Collaborating with Creative, PR, Styling, Merchandising, and warehouse teams, the Associate Buyer drives sell-through and margin performance through daily sales analysis, reorder decisions, and end-to-end purchase order management from retail ops to receiving.

Core Functions

• Develop strategies by category and PowerPoint decks to present seasonal buying plans; develop and report on third-party product performance weekly, monthly, and seasonally.
• Manage sales, margins, and inventory to ensure targets are met for brands and categories owned.
• Develop professional relationships with vendors and brands, negotiate discounts, shipping terms, payment terms, RTVs and reorders, and communicate with vendors to understand shipment arrival dates and vendor compliance.
• Attend market appointments with vendors to review newest brand assortments; prepare historical recaps, line sheets, and suggested assortments to review with the buying committee weekly.
• Discover new brands and styles that identify with the customer and mission, identify holes and opportunities in category assortment, and analyze current and previous seasons' data, comp styles and price points for strategic buy depth.
• Track buys as they are written to ensure monthly, seasonal and category plans are achieved; add styles to buys by category for all internal teams to reference.
• Create products in retail ops, key POs, coordinate with vendors on timing of shipment and payment, and review the receiving log daily to understand where POs are in the process.
• Collaborate with Creative, PR, Styling, and Merchandising teams to ensure products achieve sell-through and margin goals; analyze sales daily, weekly, and monthly to place reorders for fast movers or initiate markdowns.

Requirements

• At least 3+ years of related experience.
• Passion for the Tuckernuck brand with an interest in retail and fashion.
• Proficient in Excel and ability to learn new software platforms quickly; interest in data analytics to drive decisions.
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills with obsessive attention to detail.
• Problem-solver with a proactive, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn every single day.
• Flexible, adaptable, energetic, and positive with the ability to build solid relationships with teammates and vendor partners.

The Associate Buyer supports the Merchandise Manager in creating and executing business strategies to meet or exceed financial plans, collaborating closely with cross-functional partners across Planning, Allocation, Visual/Marketing, Store Teams, and European Retail and E-com counterparts. Working across select Categories or Departments, the Associate Buyer manages sample responsibility, seasonal buy strategies, store visits, and weekly reporting to ensure timely delivery and sound inventory decisions.

Primary Duties

• Partner with Buyer to analyze Company Store weekly, monthly and seasonal sales to proactively make suggestions on ways to change and drive current business and make strategies for future buys.
• Actively participate in merchandise selection process, placement of orders, and work with allocation on proper distribution of inventory.
• Take full ownership of a portion of the business to prepare and present seasonal buy strategies and assortments to upper management.
• Develop relationships and partner with both Retail and E-com European counterparts as well as Planning, Allocation, Visual/Marketing and Store Teams on the day-to-day details of the business.
• Visit stores to review presentation, identify problems and listen for suggestions; create and manage all weekly and monthly reports to support the business and make sound financial decisions.
• Analyze and manage weekly on-order reports to ensure goods are shipped on time and inventory is aligned.
• Manage all samples by checking in and out to different cross-functional partners and maintaining racks; shop competing venues to monitor fashion trends, pricing strategies and presentation techniques and report industry information to the Buying team.
• Work independently on special projects with manager available for general guidance; may help to train and provide mentorship to Interns and/or Assistant Merchants as needed.

Education & Experience

• College degree required; Merchandising degree a plus.
• 2–4+ years of related experience in Merchandising, Buying, or Retail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent follow-through and detail orientation.
• Strong to proficient computer skills in Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; SAP experience a plus; ability to learn systems quickly.
• Positive, flexible, team player with strong self-motivation and confidence in decision-making; ability to work independently with strong self-initiative, prioritization, multi-tasking and time management skills in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to lift or move at least 30 lbs for sample management and participate in possible store visits and floor sets.

The Associate Buyer elevates rue21's Merchandising Department results by owning product development and selection, vendor negotiations, department and category strategies, and fashion trend forecasting across assigned categories. The Merchandising Department relies on this work to maintain vendor and internal partner communication, build on-trend customer-centric assortments, and present aligned category strategies to senior leadership that advance the brand's inclusive vision and business goals.

Accountabilities

• Commit to supporting rue21's vision, mission and values of an inclusive environment and set an example for the team.
• Coordinate requirements, specifications, timing and distribution for merchandise selection and develop strategies and criteria for negotiations.
• Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product or service and resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional team meetings and develop, manage and evaluate relationships with other internal departments.
• Build the brands in all activities inclusive of quality and timely execution; be customer-centric and build assortments focused around the customer's point of view maintaining value and quality.
• Maintain and update open-to-buy daily, weekly and monthly.
• Develop and present department and category strategies and assortments to Sr Buyer and Director/VP for alignment and sign-off; stay current on trend through comp shopping and owning the vision for jewelry in partnership with the Buyer.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing or Business required; buying internship and prior retail experience preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in assistant buying.
• Passion for fashion with relevancy in pop culture and an inclusive, evolving mindset.
• Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills with strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Efficient organization, prioritization and time management skills; self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to operate independently while establishing strong working relationships with co-workers, cross-functional teams, and senior management.
• Strong, professional and effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to foster a positive and motivating work environment encouraging feedback and innovation.
• High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook and Internet applications.

The Associate Buyer runs category assortment development and vendor negotiations for assigned home decor categories, partnering with the Buyer and DMM to build product selections aligned with the company's strategic goals and financial plans. Success in the position means reacting quickly to business opportunities, leading vendor meetings, conducting independent negotiations, and driving comp sales growth and margin improvement across the assigned category portfolio.

Activities

• React quickly and decisively to business opportunities to achieve and consistently maintain positive comp sales growth and increased comp margin.
• Develop and effectively articulate financial plans to Buyer and DMM for assigned categories.
• Analyze reports to drive sales and gross margin; work with Buyer to manage inventory and identify risks in assortment.
• Lead vendor meetings for assigned buying category and conduct negotiations independently with Buyer approval.
• Clearly communicate to vendor partners the guidelines of the ticketing and domestic/import shipping manuals; work with the Buyer to resolve issues causing shrink.
• Review markdown candidates and make suggestions on additions and deletions; comp shop competitors and recap results; assist Buyer in collection and creative application of trend data.
• Travel to markets with Buyer, identify product opportunities, and maintain electronic photo files.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3–5 years of retail buying, planning or related experience.
• Ability to project sales margin and turn; demonstrate analytical, negotiating and problem-solving skills.
• Possesses a clear understanding of the target customer, supplier base and competitors.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with peers and cross-functional teams; flexible and adaptive to changing priorities.
• Able to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.