Global Assistant Buyer

Job Description

About the Job

Hello, potential PriceSmart candidate. We’re on a mission to hire the very best, and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours! We are looking for a Global Assistant Buyer who will be responsible for providing necessary assistance in all buying functions for the Other Business department, and the specific departments assigned to the associate. These responsibilities include, and not limited to, follow-up on purchase orders, projections, and forecasts with vendors. Vendor negotiations, Item creation, Pricing and Margin analysis, Safety and Quality controls. The Assistant Buyer is also responsible for item maintenance, merchandising layout, item portfolio and specifications. The Global Assistant Buyer will work directly with the Global Buyer to ensure a timely execution of the area’s strategy and maintain close communication with Operations, and vendors as needed. The Assistant Buyer must oversee product replenishment to all clubs aligned to club space and inventory guidelines. Frequency of these deliveries will impact Assistant Buyer’s daily tasks.

Communication skills are key in maintaining an open channel with Vendors, Vendor Promotions team and Operations. Assistant Buyer must be responsible and self-motivated, able to work without supervision. The associate will be required to visit vendor processing plants on a regular basis.

What's unique about this job (What you’ll do)

• Manage flow of paperwork with EDP, warehouses and Accounting.
• Awareness of seasonal trends and reacts accordingly. Work with Buyer for appropriate planning and execution of seasonal plans, trends and required inventory levels.
• Manage offsite storage inventories.
• Ongoing research for the most effective ways of distribution of merchandise to warehouses.
• Continuous (ongoing) review of merchandise categories and proposal (recommendations)of any necessary changes
• Update cost maintenance as necessary and set proposed price changes for Buyer review.
• Ensure accurate supplier cost in the computer database to minimize supplier billing discrepancies and leverage accounting productivity.
• Maintain correct vendor and item data in the AS400 system and update as necessary
• Investigate new ways to purchase merchandise cost effectively.
• Confirm pricing on all orders when placed.
• Communicate with Buyer on problem vendors and items.
• Review warehouse operations with key warehouse and buying staff.
• Maintain a professional relationship with all vendors and company personnel.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of merchandise within responsible categories.
• Order and manage merchandise inventory. Ensure in-.stock condition. Minimize overstock situations.
• Work with manufacturers on scheduling product demonstrations
• Update spoils manuals and deal report.
• Manage item “status” and timely reaction as required to update or replace discontinued or inactive items
• Maintain accurate “internal accruals” to ensure proper allocation of freight, DC and other “landed cost components” which impact merchandise cost at operating unit level.
• Manage aggregate inventory at “category” and “department” level to meet or improve upon corporate inventory goals.
• Report and assist Category Buyer in management and reduction of aged inventory.
• Timely availability and delivery of merchandise. Manage order timing to leverage inventory investment and corporate cash flows.
• Appropriate cost accruals for services.
• Action for timely correction of merchandise out of stock or overstock situations.
• Maintain accurate supplier records.
• Update and maintain accurate item information in the computer database.
• Knowledge / experience with international warehouse operations.
• Coordinate with logistics Dept. on timely / cost effective ways of shipping internationally.
• Leverage Company consolidated buying power to ensure lowest cost to PriceSmart operating units and licensee ventures.

Bring your passion and expertise (Who you are)

Some important intangibles

You feel connected to our mission and values : Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Community and Continuous Improvement

You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success

You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers

Enjoy working hard

Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging

The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.

The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks – We take care of our people

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work :

Beyond competitive pay

Medical, Dental and Vision plans

401K Contributions

Life Insurance

LTD

PriceSmart Membership Card

Calm Meditation App

Fun events

Employee recognition

Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose : to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door every day, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.