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Ocean State Job Lot · 1 month ago

Associate Buyer: HBA / Cosmetics (Relocation Supported)

North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$80K/yr - $100K/yr

3+ years exp

Ocean State Job Lot is a dynamic general merchandise retailer with a strong presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The Associate Buyer - HBA/Cosmetics role is crucial for managing day-to-day operations within the Buying team, focusing on category management, vendor relations, and inventory optimization to drive profitable growth in the Specialty HBA and Cosmetics segment.

Human Resources

Responsibilities

Independently exercise discretion in matters of importance such as the financial execution (i.e., “open to buy” (“OTB”), profitability, inventory turn) for the entire Specialty HBA and Cosmetics product area, while assisting the Buyer with all other products in the broader department

Assist the Buyer in developing and executing buying strategies demonstrating the ability to increase sales and maximize profitability specifically within the niche of the HBA/Cosmetics segment

Conduct thorough product research (including regulatory compliance), evaluate market trends, and gather competitive intelligence to identify growth opportunities, especially relating to new an emerging Health and Beauty Aid brands as well as trending Cosmetics

Establish new HBA/Cosmetics categories and support the rebuying and maintenance of established, high-performing specialty items

Own the product flow from initial planning and Purchase Order (“PO”) creation to final delivery, ensuring timely and efficient product availability to meet demand, especially for time-sensitive seasonal or promotional beauty items

Write, review, and update all purchase orders; process and track POs to ensure timely delivery while adhering to budget constraints, and resolving any issues or discrepancies with vendors

Collaborate closely with the Replenishment, Planning, and Allocation teams to manage product delivery timelines, maximize profitability, and ensure adequate in-stock levels for all Specialty HBA/Cosmetics products

Develop and utilize reporting tools to analyze business data, identify growth opportunities and risks in assortment, and create comprehensive reports on product performance and sales trends for Buyer review

Directly engage with vendors for routine communication regarding product samples, tracking shipments, resolving concerns, and communicating changes in pricing and terms for the specialty HBA/Cosmetics brands

Assist the Buyer in evaluating vendor performance to maximize profitability and turn, and make recommendations for adjustments as needed. Partner with legal in regards to compliance with quality or ingredient standards

Review and suggest HBA/Cosmetics items for advertised circulars/flyers and partner with the Visual Merchandising team to provide display guidelines (e.g., endcaps, tester displays) and ensure accurate execution in-store and online

Provide essential administrative support to the Buyer, including scheduling appointments, preparing presentations, managing documentation, and screening/directing incoming inquiries

Qualification

HBACosmetics buyingOTB systemMicrosoft ExcelAnalytical platformsBuying strategiesVendor relationsProduct researchInventory managementReporting toolsCommunication skills