Associate Buyer Location: Fort Wayne, IN Level: Entry/Mid-level Position Division: Merchandising Reporting to: Merchandise Manager Travel: 10% Travel

About the Role:

The Associate Buyer (Associate Merchandise Manager) 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   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:

• 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)

Benefits available to you:

• Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Paid time off to foster work/life balance
• Profit sharing
• Bonus Pay opportunities
• Retirement funding opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• Health club reimbursement
• Great career advancement opportunities

About Do it Best Group
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world's largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities.   Culture:
Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.   

Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served

Our Mission: Making the best even better

Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams