Buyer

Overview

Buyer is responsible for the overall P&L, managing large, complex categories (performance supplement) as they set, communicate and execute strategic direction for their assigned categories.  They are responsible for the planning and management of category sales, promotional activity, margin, inventory, product assortment and item data accuracy. In addition, they are to collaborate with Marketing, Inventory Team, Retail Operations, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Public Relations and Finance to achieve category plans and to share category insights.  Buyers are the primary owner of vendor relationships for national branded and Vitamin Shoppe brand products.

Responsibilities

• Set, manage and execute the strategic direction for the category(s) to include both Vitamin Shoppe Brand and national branded product
• Collaborate with Category Planner to develop category inventory productivity targets, monitor receipts and work to implement strategic initiatives to drive results 
• Develop and achieve category quantitative plans including sales, promotional mark downs and merchandise margin.
• Create well-balanced assortments partnering with Private brands on opportunities
• Develop and execute the monthly promotional cadence in partnership w/ the marketing and pricing teams
• Work with the Pricing team to determine competitive position of products against our various categories of competition
• Cultivate, sustain and be the primary owner of vendor relationship with a primary focusing creating business opportunity
• Establishes and maintains a reputation of credibility and responsiveness in the marketplace (e.g. promptly returns vendor phone calls, ensure timely follow-up on issues, etc.)
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with cross-functional partners (Inventory, Private Brands, Marketing, Visual, MIO)
• Build and communicate category & market intelligence throughout the organization
• Proactively leads, develops and manages staff with a goal of developing internal merchandising bench strength
• Stay current on industry and competitive landscape by attending primary industry events and by regularly visiting competitors to understand what they offer and to validate our competitive advantages and positioning

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Associate Buyer
• Assistant Buyer

Key Performance Indicators: 

• Quantitative
  • Sales dollars
  • Margin dollars
  • Inventory productivity (Turn, GMROI)
• Qualitative
  • Assortment review
  • Promotion management

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Nutrition or related Field

Required Knowledge:

• Current or previous category merchandising expertise in commodity/replenishment driven categories
• 5-7+ years in a progressive retail or CPG merchandising career
• Ability and passion to drive change and innovation within categories of accountability
• Strong vendor partner with strong negotiation skills and experience negotiating with multinational vendors.
• Advanced analytical rigor with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Expertise using market share data to aid decision making and promotion cadence
• Passion for the health and wellness industry
• Passionate hands-on leader with the ability to execute in a fast paced organization

Equal Opportunity Policy

The Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, separation, recruitment, pay and other forms of compensation, access to facilities and programs, training and general treatment during employment.

We firmly believe that every Health Enthusiast has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of Health Enthusiasts. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, equal application of fair human resources policies, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to all health enthusiast matters. The Vitamin Shoppe is committed to the principle of fair and impartial treatment of our Health Enthusiasts.

Health Enthusiasts with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their Human Resources representative.  We will not allow any form of retaliation against Health Enthusiasts who raise issues of perceived discrimination in good faith.  To ensure our workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.