Associate Buyer - Hardware, Electrical and Plumbing

Join the Hartville Hardware family, where we believe that a contented team provides exceptional customer service. Our commitment to treating individuals with fairness and compassion fosters a positive environment for our valued team members.

HRM Enterprises, Inc. encompasses the largest independent hardware store in the country, a renowned restaurant, an ever-thriving Marketplace, and a sought-after campus drawing guests from both near and far. As a locally owned and operated company, we take pride in leading the markets we serve, driven by a dedicated team that consistently exceeds our guests' expectations. We are dedicated to providing an outstanding workplace, encouraging professional growth and excellence among our team members.

Our Culture and Team Members:
With 83 years of industry experience, our family of businesses continues to thrive. Hartville Hardware, in operation for over 52 years, has earned a reputation as an excellent workplace. Many of our team members have chosen to make a career at the Hardware, with some exceeding 40 years of service

Compensation Package:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with your skills, experience, and the current market standards.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, ensuring the well-being of you and your family.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) allowance, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching, empowering you to plan for your future financial security.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Team Member Discounts: Exclusive discounts on our products/services, fostering a culture of appreciation for our valued team members.
• Wellness Programs: Participation in wellness programs designed to enhance your overall health and well-being.

What We Expect:
We seek professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment of like-minded individuals. Our core values include:

• Go the extra mile to give our guests the best experience
• Assume the best of others
• Earn the loyalty of guests and fellow team members

Job Title: Assistant Buyer - Hardware, Electrical and Plumbing

Position Summary 

The Assistant Buyer of Hardware, Electrical and Plumbing plays a key role in supporting the procurement and inventory management of our core product lines at Hartville Hardware. This position involves assisting in the selection, purchasing, and vendor management of core products, while ensuring that our assortment meets the needs of our customers and aligns with market trends. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and possesses strong communication and negotiation skills, with a passion for tools and hardware.

Key Responsibilities: 

Replenishment Buying

• Collaborate with the Merchandising Manager to execute purchasing strategies and negotiate terms with vendors.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and resolve any order discrepancies or quality issues
• Replenishment buying, specifically the biweekly "Do It Best" order and various direct vendor orders.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust orders as needed to prevent overstock or stockouts
• Collaborate with Merchandising Managers to ensure accurate product availability and replenishment
• Use the suggested order system to order accurately
• Suggest products for promotions
• Place special orders for assigned vendors
• Assist with sales and administrative tasks as needed

Reporting and Computer Integrity

• Reviews and corrects reports, pricing exceptions and promotions
• Follow up on all missing orders and communicate with customers/sales team
• Ensure all special-order returns are returned to the vendor and the credits are received.
• Monitor and maintain promotions on products
• Load new items SKU's into system
• Oversee scan outs and Tracula
• Review ordering outs

Merchandising and Display Execution:

• Assist with new products and planogram setup
• Ensure merchandise is visually appealing, organized and follows company and vendor guidelines
• Maintain signage, pricing and labels for all merchandising displays
• Execute and give input on out-of-line calendar

Store Layout and Product Placement:

• Assist in executing store resets and remerchandising projects
• Optimize product placement for ease of shipping and sales performance

Collaboration and Communication:

• Assist with vendors, suppliers and team members to ensure proper product flow and display execution.
• Provide feedback to management on sales trends, customer preferences, and inventory needs
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including merchandising, marketing, and store operations to ensure alignment on product selection and promotions.

Qualification and Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Ability to lift and move products and fixtures as needed.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and familiarity with purchasing and inventory management systems
• High level of organization and attention to detail.

Personal Attributes: 

• Passion and a keen interest in the hardware and lumber industry
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced environment
• Self-motivated, proactive and adaptable to change.