Associate Buyer: HBA / Cosmetics (Relocation Supported)

Associate Buyer - HBA/Cosmetics

Company Overview: Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" or the "Company") is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description: The Associate Buyer - HBA("Health and Beauty Aids")/Cosmetics role at Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" and "Company") plays a pivotal role within the Buying team, serving as a trusted backup to the Buyers. This position's small, defined area of fiscal responsibility will be the Specialty HBA and Cosmetics segment, offering comprehensive exposure to the buying function, from category management and trend analysis to vendor relations and purchase order execution. The Associate Buyer role is essential for managing tactical day-to-day operations and optimal inventory levels to drive profitable growth in this high-visibility category. This role collaborates closely with the Buyers as well as the Replenishment and Planning and Allocation teams to ensure flow of high-quality products that meet OSJL's customers' needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently exercise discretion in matters of importance such as the financial execution (i.e., "open to buy" ("OTB"), profitability, inventory turn) for the entire Specialty HBA and Cosmetics product area, while assisting the Buyer with all other products in the broader department.
• Assist the Buyer in developing and executing buying strategies demonstrating the ability to increase sales and maximize profitability specifically within the niche of the HBA/Cosmetics segment.
• Conduct thorough product research (including regulatory compliance), evaluate market trends, and gather competitive intelligence to identify growth opportunities, especially relating to new an emerging Health and Beauty Aid brands as well as trending Cosmetics.
• Establish new HBA/Cosmetics categories and support the rebuying and maintenance of established, high-performing specialty items.
• Own the product flow from initial planning and Purchase Order ("PO") creation to final delivery, ensuring timely and efficient product availability to meet demand, especially for time-sensitive seasonal or promotional beauty items.
• Write, review, and update all purchase orders; process and track POs to ensure timely delivery while adhering to budget constraints, and resolving any issues or discrepancies with vendors.
• Collaborate closely with the Replenishment, Planning, and Allocation teams to manage product delivery timelines, maximize profitability, and ensure adequate in-stock levels for all Specialty HBA/Cosmetics products.
• Develop and utilize reporting tools to analyze business data, identify growth opportunities and risks in assortment, and create comprehensive reports on product performance and sales trends for Buyer review.
• Directly engage with vendors for routine communication regarding product samples, tracking shipments, resolving concerns, and communicating changes in pricing and terms for the specialty HBA/Cosmetics brands.
• Assist the Buyer in evaluating vendor performance to maximize profitability and turn, and make recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Partner with legal in regards to compliance with quality or ingredient standards.
• Review and suggest HBA/Cosmetics items for advertised circulars/flyers and partner with the Visual Merchandising team to provide display guidelines (e.g., endcaps, tester displays) and ensure accurate execution in-store and online.
• Provide essential administrative support to the Buyer, including scheduling appointments, preparing presentations, managing documentation, and screening/directing incoming inquiries.

Qualifications:

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Buying, Business, Finance) is preferred.
• 3 or more years of previous experience in a buying department, allocation, or general retail environment is required.
• 2 or more years of previous experience with HBA and cosmetics buying required.
• Previous experience with an OTB system is highly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, complex formulas) is required.
• Familiarity with analytical and buying platforms (e.g., Paragon, Qlikview, Retail Ideas, or similar ERP/planning tools) is a plus.
• Possess a mindset focused on career growth and a genuine passion for the HBA and Cosmetics buying field.

Work Environment:

• Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time.
• Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential function.
• The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours.
• Travel domestically approximately 5 times a year to attend trade shows and key vendor meetings.

The job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position. Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract, either express or implied. You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.

The annual salary range for this position is between $80,000 - $100,000. Salary commensurates with years of relevant experience.