Posted: 14-May-25
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Type: Full Time
Salary: Negotiable DOE
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies is seeking an on-site experienced Buyer to join our team. The position would report to the Category Director for Accessories and would cover several categories including holsters, bags/packs, camping, apparel, personal defense, air guns, knives, cleaning, gun parts, and eye/ear protection.
SUMMARY:
The buyer is responsible for identifying and procuring goods to maximize profits and meet company goals. Expected to negotiate with vendors to ensure products are delivered at the best possible price and in a timely manner. Expected to maintain inventory levels based on current market demands. Work within the merchant team to develop strategies to improve product lines and to increase market share.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- VENDOR NEGOTIATION: Negotiate with vendors for the best programs, prices, and terms.
- MARKET ANALYSIS: Seek new vendor opportunities by staying abreast of the market and new product trends related to the specific assigned category.
- PRICING STRATEGY: Create sell pricing on new lines based on competition and/or vendor pricing mandates. Continually analyze competitive pricing and adjust, as necessary.
- INVENTORY MANAGEMENT: Evaluate inventory levels and place purchase orders in accordance with current market trends as outlined within the department.
- SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY PURCHASES: Evaluate “special opportunity” purchases based on prior performance, current market trends, and profit opportunity to present to the Category Director, CMMO, or “Deal Committee” depending on size and scope.
- AGED INVENTORY STRATEGY: Evaluate and develop strategy for aged, discontinued, and closeout inventory that falls within certain parameters such as too many weeks of supply or that exceeding a dollar threshold established by the department.
- FINANCIAL COLLABORATION: Interact with the finance department to ensure sound purchasing decisions, especially as they relate to parameters outside the normal scope of business.
- SALES COLLABORATION: Interact often with the sales department heads to obtain feedback and concurrence. Coordinate, develop and track promotions such as spiffs, incentives, and contests.
- LINE PERFORMANCE ANALSYS: Periodically analyze and report on sales and purchasing performance to develop strategy as it relates to improving profitability, increasing market share, and improving overall operations.
- MARKETING COLLABORATION: In collaboration with the marketing team, create marketing materials for print and digital advertisements by providing item selection and competitive pricing. Materials to include flyers, catalogs, email advertising, website advertising, affiliate advertising, etc. Proof all materials for accuracy.
- BUYERS ASSISTANT COORDINATION: Interact closely with Buyers Assistants as it relates to routine line maintenance such as document retention, backorder reconciliation, pricing maintenance, PO tracking, vendor returns, and vendor communication.
- OPERATIONAL SUPPORT: Interact with CSSI operations staff to assist in problem resolution as it relates to purchase order discrepancies, damage shipments, returns, credits, invoicing, etc.
- VENDOR MANAGEMENT: Visit vendor facilities, attend trade shows, and company events as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Office, primarily Excel and Word.
- Strong negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills to promote high level communication with vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Knowledge/experience in products related to the shooting sports industry.
- Basic math skills needed to analyze pricing. Understand concepts of margin, markup, and markdown.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 3-4 years of relevant experience.