Associate Buyer - Drugstore & Baby

Job Summary: Participates in all buying and merchandising activities.

Essential Functions / Process Responsibilities include the following: other duties may be assigned as necessary:

− The Associate BDM II / Associate Buyer II is the orientation job for the Business Development career path, designed to acclimate the Partner to the H-E-B Procurement environment and build key relationships required for the BDM / Buyer role

− Independently learns and participates in all buying and merchandising activities relating to specific categories assigned with training BDM / Buyer

− Participates in and learns the process of strategic planning, category/commodity buying, merchandising, pricing, assortment decisions, category development and overall best practices in conjunction with their training BDM / Buyer

− Works with assigned BDM to learn and participate in decisions on assortment, product placement, acquisition timing, distribution and financial results related to such decisions

− Leads Grocery department projects on key initiatives that interact with all merchants, Directors, VPs, and other departments when needed

− Works collaboratively with Shelf Edge, Supply Chain, Product Information, Own Brand, Global Sourcing, and other related areas

− Independently manages own category, or portion of larger category

− Develops strategies for categories

− Manages cost negotiation activities with vendors

– Ensures products are competitively priced, meeting price image objectives and financial objectives

− Manages pricing projects and new initiatives from concept to implementation

− Ensures consistent pricing communication materials and branding throughout pricing programs and processes, policies and other H-E-B initiatives

− Works collaboratively with BDMs / Buyers, providing input to develop category strategies

− Manages cost and retail relationships to support marketing and merchandising strategies 

Education and Experience preferred

− Previous retail or commodity buying highly preferred but not required

− Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or related field or comparable experience

− 4+ years’ experience in Business, Merchandising / Procurement or Store Operations 

− Moderate PC skills including Microsoft Office Suite software, as well as computer software programs required by the job

− Working knowledge and experience in systems, process and analysis

− Working knowledge and experience in the product information data flow, category trends, promotional planning and category performance analysis 

Key Competencies preferred

− Good organization and project management skills

− Good analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail

− Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines (strong multitasking capabilities)

− Good written / verbal communication and presentation skills

− Good negotiating and influencing skills

− Ability to navigate through the organization

− Ability to work collaboratively on a cross-functional team and company-wide initiatives

− Ability to comprehend product information data flow (item, vendor, cost, price)

− Ability to solve problems within and across departments

− Provides proactive solutions with limited direction and input

− Demonstrates initiative and willingness to take risks 

Physical and Other Requirements

− Function in a fast-paced, retail, office environment

− Travel by car or airplane with overnight stays

− Sit for an extended period of time

− Lift 20 lbs or more on a regular basis

− Work extended hours 

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