Job Description

About the Job

Hello, potential PriceSmart candidate. We’re on a mission to hire the very best, and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours!

The Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting the Buyer in product selection, assortment planning, vendor management, and pricing management and promotional activities. This role requires a keen understanding of the retail landscape, market trends, and inventory management to assess products, recommend adjustments, and provide strategic input. The Assistant Buyer works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of promotional, seasonal, and merchandising plans while maintaining a focus on financial objectives and product quality.

What You'll Do

Product Selection & Assortment Planning

• Assess product samples and provide feedback to vendors to aid in the development and selection of new items.
• Manage the set-up and approval process for new vendors, ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Supervise the setup and approval process for new items, ensuring accurate and timely updates on key product information (e.g., first costs, discounts, payment terms, status codes).
• Monitor SKU reports and recommend adjustments to optimize SKU selection and inventory performance.
• Ensure all products and packaging meet negotiated specifications and quality standards through proper documentation and inspections/audits before they reach the sales floor.

Vendor Management

• Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors and assist in onboarding new vendors.
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to gather product information, assist in negotiating costs, and secure promotional support.
• Plan and communicate seasonal and promotional calendars with vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise and promotions, optimizing sell-through rates.

Trade Expertise & Market Research

• Assist the Buyer by attending and following up on trade shows, communicating with vendors, and providing market insights.
• Conduct ongoing market research and provide input to the Buyer on purchasing decisions, staying up to date with industry trends.
• Monitor competitor activities through comp shop reports and offer recommendations to maintain competitive advantage.

Pricing & Margin

• Support pricing activities by monitoring weekly pricing reports and managing new item pricing targets.
• Manage replenishment merchandise margins to ensure financial goals are met.
• Stay informed on competitor pricing strategies and adjust cost savings or selling price to remain competitive.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with key departments, including Logistics, Operations, and Compliance, by preparing and distributing merchandise reports and bulletins (e.g., new item reports, line review recaps, program timelines).
• Serve as a liaison between buying, logistics, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of merchandising plans.

Promotion Planning

• In collaboration with the Buyer, plan a promotional calendar aligned with seasonal trends and aimed at maximizing sales.
• Negotiate promotional contracts with vendors and coordinate with the forecasting/replenishment team to ensure successful execution of promotions, with appropriate inventory levels.

Financial & Budget Management

• Assist in planning rotational calendars, new item launches, and seasonal merchandise programs by analyzing financial data, including sales/margin projections and Open to Buy (OTB).
• Monitor sell-through performance and recommend pricing strategies to clear out inactive or rotational items.
• Use historical sales data and inventory levels to make informed recommendations on product selection, pricing, timing, and promotions.

Reporting & Analysis

• Provide monthly analysis of departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track successes, missed opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Support ongoing analysis of sales performance, margin contributions, and inventory turnover to inform future buying decisions.

Who You Are

Experience: 3-5 years of progressive experience in retail buying, merchandising, or product management.

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market trends and sales data.
• Proficiency in Excel and data management systems.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and product quality.
• Familiarity with Open to Buy (OTB) planning and financial analysis.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

Key Competencies:

• Assess: Ability to evaluate product samples, market trends, and financial data to make informed decisions.
• Recommend: Provide actionable recommendations on SKU adjustments, pricing strategies, and vendor negotiations.
• Provide Input: Contribute valuable insights on promotional calendars, assortment plans, and purchasing decisions.

Some Important Intangibles

• You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Community and Continuous Improvement
• You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success
• You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers
• Enjoy working hard
• Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging
• The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.
• The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education Assistance Program
• 401K Contributions
• Life Insurance
• LTD
• PriceSmart Membership Card
• Pet Insurance
• Calm Meditation App
• BenefitsHub for Employee Discounts
• Fun events
• Employee recognition
• Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
• ...and more!

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door everyday, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.

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