Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Business Analysis, Calendar Management, Communication Skills, Compensation Management, Computer Vision, Contact Management, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Distribution Services, Establish Priorities, Financial Analysis, Health Plan, Hospital, Inventory Levels, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Marketing, Mathematics, Merchandising, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procurement Software, Product Development, Product Marketing, Purchase Orders, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Metrics, Retail, Sales, Spreadsheets, Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Systems Administration/Management, Time Management, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Relations, eCommerce
About us
Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.
One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.
At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
How we reward you
401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%
Healthcare plans to support your needs
Virtual doctor visits
Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program
15% Associate Discount
Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program
Associate Assistance Program
RK Cares Associate Hardship Program
24/7 Chaplaincy Services
Company paid YMCA Family Membership
Responsibilities:
What You’ll do
As the Assistant Buyer, you will be responsible for maintaining data integrity, supporting the Buyer in efficient procurement processes, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring smooth administrative operations. This position plays a critical role in keeping merchandising activities on track and helping the team meet business goals. You will begin to build your product knowledge, operational expertise, concepts of retail, personal leadership skills, and understand the customer!
- Perform support activities for the buying team, such as purchase order management and processing markdowns, while building foundational merchant skills and learning the keys to becoming a successful merchant.
- Provide basic analysis of key business data to the Buyer, including the use of retail math to understand the business, monitoring of regional merchandise reports, stock analysis, and other ad-hoc analysis to project sales and inventory levels.
- Assist with the preparation and analysis of procurement reports and spreadsheets
- Populating product candidates for Marketing review and execution
- Responsible for visual line and merchandise list, and works within Merchandise systems to set up and maintain all SKUs.
- Develop effective relationships with vendors, which include following up on shipments and resolving problems to ensure the product is delivered and processed as directed by the Buyer.
- Maintain strong, positive relationships with cross-functional partners across inventory, design, development, e-commerce, and creative teams
- Organize and maintain vendor contact information and contract files
- Support buyers in scheduling meetings, preparing presentations, and coordinating product samples
- Help ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Qualifications:
Essential Qualities for Success
- Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Design, Business, Marketing, or related field required.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & Outlook), familiarity with procurement software is a plus
- Prior experience in an administrative or purchasing support role preferred
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to actively listen, ask relevant questions, and provide thorough and articulate responses.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
- Proven track record of consistently producing error-free work and meeting quality standards
Physical Requirements
- Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
- Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
- Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
- Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
- Close vision for computer-related activities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The pay range for this position is $21.50 - $26.20/ hour annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.