Buyer

Maurice Sporting Goods, established in 1923, is the largest distributor of outdoor sporting goods to mass retail customers throughout North America. Our product categories include fishing, hunting, marine, camping and fitness. Our customers include most of the mass retail and sporting goods chains throughout the United States and Canada, as well as a network of more than 1,000 independent retailers. Maurice has an extensive Asian import supply chain and very active product development and marketing departments. With four distribution centers, approximately 600 employees and some of the most advanced merchandising, supply chain management, and retail sales analysis technology in the industry, our account management teams and field sales personnel deliver exceptional retail performance through comprehensive category management and distribution solutions.

Our corporate Purchasing Department is searching for a Buyer to assume responsibility for purchasing and managing inventory for Maurice Sporting Goods. Primary accountabilities for this role include:

• Developing a sound understanding of Maurice Sporting Goods and our distribution model.
• Focusing on Category Performance Goals while meeting the needs of the Sales Organization and their retail customers.
• Utilizing business data to make sound inventory investments that deliver profitability, turns, and GMROII (gross margin return on inventory investment).
• Negotiating vendor programs to meet MSG profitability goals.
• Controlling inventory investments and SKU base for assigned vendors within our category alignment.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vendor Programs – 30%

• Maintain detailed knowledge of category trends, competitors, consumer preferences and demographics, as well as, POS and other relevant data to anticipate consumer demand and drive product, program and assortment planning.
• Establish strategy and analysis plans for assigned vendors, which address sales, inventory, turns, and GMROII (Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment).
• Negotiate advantageous programs with assigned vendors, as well as, develop profitable vendor price discounts and rebate programs.
• Set profitable pricing programs that produce desired MSG margin goals and meet the needs of our customers.
• Develop return agreements based on a percent of sales or dollar value
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with assigned vendors, complete and maintain vendor agreements, as well as fill out call reports following each vendor meeting.

Inventory Accountability – 20%

• Maintain 90% in-stock levels on assigned vendor listings.
• Partner with Inventory Replenishment Analysts to calculate and manage inventory in E-3.
• Develop sales, inventory and turnover plans for assigned vendors, as well as, arrange for returns of overstock, defective and DWO product.

Vendor/Product Sourcing – 10%

• Identify vendors and products that will provide sales and profit opportunities for MSG.
• Develop exclusive product programs for MSG.
• Partner with Product Development & Import Sourcing to develop Private Brand programs.
• Search for and identify new categories and/or vendors that will provide new profit opportunities for MSG and its customers.

Internal Communication – 20%

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships and lines of communication with all MSG Departments and functions including Sales, Finance, Operations, Category Management, Product Development & Import Sourcing, Marketing, and Information Technology.

Business & Industry Knowledge – 20%

• Develop a strong understanding of MSG, its business model, vendor partners and customers.
• Acquire a solid foundation of knowledge related to the sporting goods industry – particularly products, vendors, consumer trends, as well as, the retail mass market and MSG customers.
• Gain proficiency with all buyer functions and tools including related systems and software.
• Develop core knowledge/understanding of wholesale distribution, MSG capabilities and limitations, particularly as it relates to MSG vendors, products and customers.

• Comprehenisve knowledge of outdoor sporting goods categories (fishing, hunting).
• Bachelor’s degree in business (or the equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
• 3-5 years experience as a buyer with a mass market retailer or wholesale distributor serving the mass market channel.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for outdoor sporting goods (strongly preferred), a deep desire to excel in business and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, rapidly developing work environment.
• Strong detail orientation and financial acumen coupled with the ability to analyze data to make sound business/purchasing decisions.
• A record of success partnering with internal customers to optimize category performance and profits.
• Demonstrated strengths in using consumer, product, POS, competitor, and related data to identify product solutions that grow market share and drive profits for the company and customers.
• Strategic mindset, business savvy, creativity, and the ability to influence and negotiate in a professional manner.
• Proficient in leveraging technology to drive the business and in learning new software applications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment, strong customer focus, and effective written and interpersonal communication skills.
• An assertive team player who excels in developing strong internal and external working relationships.

We offer a generous total rewards package including competitive compensation, medical, dental and life insurance, 401k, vacation/sick pay, as well as a wide range of voluntary benefits.  If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity with a rapidly expanding, industry leader and meet the stated qualifications, please forward your resume as an MS Word attachment to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] along with a cover letter that details salary requirements.

Don’t forget to visit our web site at http://www.maurice.net/!

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V