Design Center Buyer
SummaryThe Design Center Category Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, category management, inventory planning, pricing, vendor relationships, and product lifecycle management for assigned Design Center product categories. This role serves as the product expert and business manager for assigned categories, ensuring Builders Warehouse offers compelling product selections, competitive pricing, strong vendor partnerships, and profitable growth.
The Design Center Category Buyer works closely with Brand and Assortment Manager, Design Center Team, Purchasing Team, Marketing, Operations, and Vendor Partners to maximize sales opportunities, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve category sales, gross profit, inventory turn, and market share objectives.
This position combines merchant, analyst, and relationship management responsibilities to ensure assigned product categories remain relevant, profitable, and aligned with customer demand and market trends.
DutiesCategory Management
- Own assigned Design Center product categories from product selection through final sale.
- Develop and execute annual category business plans, sales strategies, and growth initiatives.
- Establish and monitor category performance goals including:
- Sales
- Gross Margin
- Gross Profit Dollars
- Inventory Turns
- Market Share
- Vendor Support Programs
- Evaluate product performance and recommend additions, deletions, and assortment changes.
- Identify new products, emerging trends, and opportunities to improve category performance.
Product Selection & Merchandising
- Curate and maintain product assortments that align with customer preferences, market trends, and company objectives.
- Develop showroom merchandising strategies for assigned categories.
- Coordinate new product introductions and product transitions.
- Manage display programs and showroom sample inventories.
- Ensure products remain current, competitive, and differentiated within the marketplace.
Vendor Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers and supplier partners.
- Negotiate:
- Product costs
- Display, Sample, Showroom Standards
- Rebates
- Marketing funds
- Freight programs
- Cooperative advertising
- Volume discounts
- Display allowances
- Special promotions
- Exclusivity opportunities
- Conduct vendor performance evaluations.
- Monitor supplier service levels, fill rates, lead times, and quality performance.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate purchasing and improve supplier effectiveness.
Pricing & Profitability
- Develop and maintain category pricing strategies.
- Analyze market pricing and competitor offerings.
- Recommend pricing adjustments to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
- Monitor margin performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with builder, contractor, and volume pricing programs as needed.
Inventory & Replenishment
- Determine and maintain appropriate inventory levels for assigned categories.
- Monitor stock positions, turnover, slow-moving inventory, and obsolete products.
- Develop replenishment strategies and purchasing forecasts.
- Collaborate with inventory and operations teams to improve inventory productivity.
- Recommend inventory reductions and liquidation strategies when necessary.
Sales & Design Center Support
- Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned categories.
- Support Design Center Consultants with:
- Product knowledge
- Competitive comparisons
- Product recommendations
- Vendor resources
- Assist in resolving product-related customer issues.
- Participate in customer, builder, and vendor meetings as appropriate.
Market Analysis
- Analyze:
- Market conditions
- Consumer trends
- Competitive activity
- New product introductions
- Industry innovations
- Utilize internal data and external market information to guide buying decisions.
- Prepare recommendations based on category performance and market opportunities.
Training & Communication
- Develop product training materials for Design Center team members.
- Conduct regular product and vendor training sessions.
- Communicate product updates, promotions, and category changes to the organization.
- Partner with Marketing on product launches and promotional initiatives.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Develop annual sales and profit forecasts for assigned categories.
- Monitor monthly performance against goals.
- Prepare category performance reports and recommendations.
- Analyze supplier performance and profitability.
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership as requested.
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
- Recommend process improvements related to purchasing, merchandising, vendor management, and inventory control.
- Assist in developing and maintaining category management standards and procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Business & Financial Acumen
- Strong understanding of retail merchandising and category management principles.
- Ability to analyze sales trends, margins, inventory productivity, and profitability.
- Strong analytical and financial interpretation skills.
- Communication & Collaboration
- Team player.
- Ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to influence decisions through data and sound business reasoning.
- Organization & Execution
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Technical Proficiency
- Epicor BisTrack or similar ERP system
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel (advanced preferred)
- Professional Attributes
- Self-motivated and results-oriented.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Professional and positive demeanor.
- Adaptable and responsive in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge and interest / passion of the product groups you are assigned
- Completes assignments in a timely manner
- Two-Five years purchasing and inventory control experience preferred
- Operates independently with minimal supervision.
- Expected to take ownership of assigned categories and business results.
- Accountable for meeting category performance goals and delivering actionable recommendations.
- KPI’s reviewed monthly
Internal and External Contacts- Interaction daily with all Builders Team Members
- Interaction daily with current vendors/suppliers
- Assists in creation of inventory control and purchasing policies and procedures
- Reports to the Purchasing Team Manager
Success in this role is measured by the ability to build profitable product categories, strengthen vendor partnerships, support Design Center sales growth, maintain healthy inventory levels, and deliver a best-in-class product selection that enhances the customer experience while driving company profitability.
Benefits
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
8 Paid Holidays
401k Retirement Plan (with company match)
Employee Discount
Profit Sharing Plan
Referral Program
Insurance
Medical
Dental
Vision
Disability
Life
Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical & Dependent Care
Health Savings Account
Background check and pre-employment drug test required.
Builders serves the Nebraska and Colorado markets plus the surrounding areas. We are a family-oriented company seeking constant improvement to support services and being proactive in meeting our customer needs. We do this by building relationships with our customers in order to help them achieve their project goals with teamwork-oriented staff, quality products and outstanding customer service. Our customers include contractors, builders, re-modelers and do-it-yourselfers. We offer building materials and home improvement essentials.
Each location/department within our organization plays a vital role in helping our customers determine the best solutions for their project, home or commercial needs. Working as a core TEAM we guide our customers from start to finish no matter how large or small. Our TEAM sells, designs, builds and installs the products needed to assist our customers in achieving their goals. Customer Service is KEY to Exceeding our Customers’ Expectations.
Visit our website: builderscorp.com.