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Buyer
Grand Rapids, MN (USA)
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Post Date: 10/01/09 Company: L & M Supply, Inc.
Compensation: $50 - 65K /yr Contact: John Skrbec
Job Type: Full Time Phone:
Education: 2 year degree Fax:
Experience: 5 - 10 years Mailing Address: PO Box 280
Grand Rapids, MN Itasca
55744
Travel: Negligible
Reference:

Company Profile:
L & M Supply, Inc. is a privately owned retail business specializing in the sale of hardware, plumbing, electrical, automotive, paint, clothing, tools, power equipment, sporting goods, pet food/supplies, and related products.
L & M Supply was started in Grand Rapids, MN in 1959 by Del Matteson and Jim Luthen. The Company has seven (7) store locations in Minnesota: Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia/Mt. Iron, Cloquet, Bemidji, Park Rapids, and Detroit Lakes. The Corporate Offices and Distribution Center are also located in Grand Rapids, MN.

Job Description:
L & M Supply, Inc., a leading Northern Minnesota retailer, is currently looking to fill the position of Buyer at our Grand Rapids, MN Corporate Offices. This position will be responsible for the buying function of specific product lines (one or a combination of the following product lines: apparel, hardware, tools, paint, or agricultural products) relative to the procurement of goods for all seven L & M Supply locations. The Primary responsibilities of the position are:
1. Researches, analyzes, and selects vendors that will best serve the Company and the consumers market driven needs for product. This includes: Researching and understanding vendor performance; analyzing sales programs, special fund programs, defective goods programs, freight costs, etc. to determine purchasing opportunities; Negotiates discounts, payment terms, etc.; Identifies advertising/co-op funds and other promotional programs available from each vendor; Searches out alternative vendors and suppliers as alternative providers of merchandise; etc.
2. Responsible for developing, negotiating, placing, and administering purchase orders, contracts, and proposals for the buying of merchandise for assigned product lines;
3. Responsible for establishing, maintaining and controlling inventory levels for assigned product lines. This includes: Maintaining accurate inventory level records; Identifying and reconciling stock level discrepancies and needs; Identifying real and potential market shortages, and address as needed through adjusted back orders, secondary vendors, etc.; forecasting future sales from promotional programs and seasonal demands.
4. Identifies, investigates, and presents new product or sales opportunities that address market place demands and supports the Company's sales and profit goals.
5. Responsible for achieving the strategic initiatives of the assigned product lines that directly affect the profitability and growth of the Company. Examples of these initiatives include sales volume growth, profit margin objectives, inventory turns, etc.
6. Places special orders at customers request. This includes extending the service to the customer of researching the availability of non-stock and special request items; quoting customers a retail price for the item; and processing a special order to obtain the item.
7. Communicates with store managers and employees providing product merchandising recommendations on new and existing goods. This includes providing feedback on the appropriate way to display goods; product applications; product training; review of customer complaints; etc.
8. Coordinates merchandise advertising and special promotional programs. This includes selecting the products; ensuring there is appropriate stock levels available; selecting the ad price based on profit margin and competitive pricing; identiying and using available co-op funds; determining the extent of promotions (giveaways/sweepstakes); etc.
9. Communicates and interacts with Sales Rep's and vendors troubleshooting problems with orders; reviewing new products and programs; negotiating for extra discounts and promotional allowances; and requesting current catalogs, price lists, and employee product training.
10. Performs other miscellaneous duties and assignments as directed by management.



Job Requirements:
1. Two year Associate degree. Preferably in business administration, merchandising, sales, marketing, retail management.
2. Minimum of five (5) years experience in a professional buying position, retail sales, or a combination of both.
3. Expertise in negotiation skills, negotiation process, and contract development.
4. Ability to learn and use automated inventory control systems.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
6. valid drivers license.
7. Ability to sit for extended periods.
8. Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

 
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