Assistant Buyer

Enthusiast Auto Holdings (EAH) is a highly successful e-commerce company in the automotive aftermarket parts industry. EAH goes to market via nine enthusiast focused websites (banners) - ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsport, Pelican Parts, Rennline, Texas Speed & Performance, Z1 Motorsports, Z1 Off-Road, RCI Off-Road and EVANNEX. EAH serves automotive enthusiast customers who are passionate about how their vehicle looks and performs, by providing the parts, content, knowledge and support to make their vehicle come to life. We also serve a global network of specialty installer shops that solve for customers looking for a "Do it For Me" option. EAH’s leadership team has delivered strong organic growth with market-leading profitability. EAH has also completed multiple acquisitions and plans continued expansion of its served markets via acquisition.

EAH is owned and supported by Cortec Group, a premier private equity firm. Cortec has invested millions of dollars to expand EAH’s operations, facilities, technology, and leadership. Among other investments, EAH has recently completed a significant facility expansion at its primary distribution center and is in the process of implementing enterprise-level ERP / WMS / OMS systems.

The Assistant Buyer supports the Buying team in sourcing and purchasing products that meet customer demand and company objectives. This role assists with vendor communications, inventory management, purchase order processing, and market research to ensure the right products are available at the right time and price. The position contributes to a positive customer experience through effective inventory management (availability), strong vendor relationships (our company tenant of win-win partnerships), and data-driven purchasing decisions.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with excellent communication skills, strong analytical abilities, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for continuous process improvement. While purchasing and inventory experience is preferred, the company values motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Planning & Purchasing

• Strategically source and purchase products to maintain optimal inventory levels (availability targets) while increasing margin dollars. 
• Forecast demand and proactively place purchase orders based on seasonality, trends, and sales performance. 
• Manage inventory availability while achieving margin, inventory turn, and excess inventory targets. 
• Monitor inventory health and develop strategies to reduce distressed and excess inventory.

Vendor Management 

• Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with vendors and suppliers. 
• Develop strategic growth plans with vendors focused on Commerce, Content, and Community initiatives. 
• Support vendor negotiations through market research, pricing analysis, and performance reporting. 
• Collaborate with vendors on inventory exit strategies and inventory optimization initiatives. 
• Maintain accurate vendor records, agreements, and purchasing documentation.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track product and category performance using sales, inventory, and margin data. 
• Analyze trends and provide actionable recommendations to improve business performance. 
• Identify opportunities to improve product availability, profitability, and operational efficiency. 
• Prepare reports and insights to support purchasing decisions and vendor discussions.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Brand team, Operations, and other departments to communicate product availability. 
• Support initiatives that increase sales, improve customer experience, and reduce excess inventory. 
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and recommend operational enhancements.

Education: Bachelor's Degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant buying, planning, inventory management, or purchasing experience preferred.

Technical skills: Proficiency in; 

• Microsoft Excel 
• Google Sheets 
• Microsoft Word and Powerpoint 

Strong analytical and reporting capabilities. 

Ability to work with inventory and purchasing management systems

Core Competencies 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. 
• Highly organized with strong planning and prioritization skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. 
• Team-oriented with a flexible and collaborative mindset. 
• Entrepreneurial approach to identifying and implementing process improvements. 
• Positive, professional, and customer-focused attitude.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs and Smart Goals)

• Inventory availability and inventory targets. 
• Margin achievement. 
• Inventory turn performance. 
• Excess and distressed inventory reduction. 
• Vendor performance and relationship development. 
• Purchase order accuracy and timeliness. 
• Achievement of category growth objectives.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Assistant Buyers will:

• Accurately forecast and purchase inventory to maintain availability while meeting margin goals. 
• Minimize distressed and excess inventory through proactive inventory management. 
• Collaborate effectively across departments to drive category growth and improve customer experience. 
• Leverage vendor partnerships and marketing initiatives to increase sales and inventory efficiency. 
• Maintain regular communication with top vendors. 
• Contribute ideas that improve processes, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.