Inventory Buyer

Position Profile: Inventory Buyer

Reports To:

General Manager

Job Summary:

The Inventory Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and securing deals on used powersports units (e.g., motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft) to build and maintain a profitable inventory for the dealership. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities through various channels, including private sellers, auctions, trade-ins, and competitor analysis. The Buyer will work closely with the sales and inventory teams to ensure units meet market demand and dealership standards. Compensation is performance-driven, tied directly to the number of successful deals secured, in line with industry norms for similar roles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sourcing Inventory: Identify and pursue opportunities to acquire used powersports units through online marketplaces, auctions, trade-ins, social media, networking, and direct outreach to private sellers.
• Deal Negotiation: Negotiate purchase prices with sellers to maximize profit margins while ensuring competitive inventory acquisition costs.
• Market Research: Stay informed on current market trends, pricing, and demand for various powersports categories to guide purchasing decisions.
• Unit Evaluation: Assess the condition, value, and resale potential of prospective units, coordinating with service technicians as needed for inspections.
• Inventory Alignment: Collaborate with the sales team to ensure acquired units align with customer preferences and dealership sales goals.
• Documentation: Handle paperwork related to purchases, including titles, bills of sale, and transfer documentation, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Performance Tracking: Maintain accurate records of deals sourced, including acquisition costs, turnaround time, and final sale outcomes.
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain relationships with auction houses, wholesalers, and private sellers to ensure a consistent pipeline of inventory opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years in powersports, automotive, or a related sales/purchasing role; experience in used vehicle acquisition preferred.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of powersports market trends, pricing, and unit valuation; familiarity with brands such as Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Kawasaki, etc.
• Skills:
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to assess vehicle condition and value quickly and accurately.
• Proficiency with online marketplaces (e.g., Cycle Trader, eBay, Craigslist) and auction platforms.
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and research (e.g., Excel, dealership management software).
• Attributes: Self-motivated, resourceful, and results-oriented with a knack for finding deals in a competitive market.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement (preferred); auction buying certification (optional but a plus).

Compensation Structure:

Compensation for this role is designed to incentivize performance and is commensurate with industry standards for inventory buyers in the powersports and used vehicle sectors. The structure includes a base salary plus a performance-based commission tied to the number of deals secured.

• Commission: $150 per unit
• Potential Annual Earnings: $50,000 - $80,000 (assuming 40-60 units/month, which aligns with moderate to high-performing dealerships).
• Benefits: Standard dealership benefits package (e.g., health insurance, paid time off, employee discounts on parts/services), consistent with industry norms.

Performance Metrics:

• Number of units successfully brought into inventory per month.
• Average acquisition cost vs. resale value (profit margin contribution).
• Turnaround time from purchase to sale-ready status.

Work Environment:

• Primarily field-based with some office time for research and paperwork.
• Frequent travel to auctions, seller locations, or trade-in evaluations within a designated region.
• Fast-paced, competitive atmosphere requiring adaptability and hustle.

Career Path:

• Opportunity for advancement to Inventory Manager, Purchasing Director, or General Manager with demonstrated success in deal sourcing and profitability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carson City, MI 48811

Salary : $50,000 - $80,000