Location: Fort Wayne, IN

# of Openings: 1

Level: Entry/Mid-level Position

Division: Merchandising

Reporting to position: Merchandise Manager

Travel: 10% Travel

About the Role:

The Associate Buyer will work directly with vendors and members alongside the Merchandise Managers to choose products and analyze pricing and buying strategies. They will use analytical skills and a team-oriented attitude to work through negotiation efforts, promotional offers, and answering vendor or member questions. The position requires great organization, communication, and a personable individual that can cultivate quality career advancement.

If you have any prior experience working in any of the following positions, we strongly encourage you to apply: Merchandise Assistant, Sourcing Associate, Pricing Analyst, Sales Associate, Category Management, Retail Merchandising, Assistant Manager, Buyer, Product Manager, Associate Merchandise Manager

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with administration and development of appropriate product mix for members, which includes helping with proper product selection, evaluations, and reviews
• Balance the maintenance of member and retail pricing, and updating product information
• Respond to retail member questions and explain product choices/changes
• Implement changes made to stocking items and new products
• Aid in the execution of the biannual Market convention preparation process and negotiation of Market specials
• Implement the development, negotiation, and submittals of promotional offers
• Manage and monitor inventory of the Department to meet both acceptable turns and service level

Education & Experience we are looking for:

• Four-year degree in Marketing, Sales, or Business-related field or equivalent retail, sales, or wholesale/distribution experience
• Must be computer proficient, especially Excel and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Gmail)

Skills and Abilities you might have:

• Creative problem solving skills, great verbal and written communication skills, and excellent organizational skills
• Analytical and accuracy-focused mindset
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Personable with a teamwork and customer service mindset
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment

Benefits available to you:

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision with a premium free plan available
• Paid time off to foster work/life balance
• Profit sharing
• Bonus Pay opportunities
• Retirement funding opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• Health club reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities

About Do it Best:

At Do it Best, we take pride in being the only U.S.–based and member-owned hardware & lumber/building material buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. We have made it our philosophy to serve over 3,800 member-owned locations across the United States and in over 50 countries by offering a full menu of exceptional merchandise and services to increase our member’s market share and profitability. By reaching over $4 billion in annual sales, Do it Best is the second largest co-op in the industry. Our success stems from our mission to make the best better, and our goal to help our members grow and achieve their dreams.