Position Summary
The Director of Purchasing leads the strategic procurement function for our client, supporting a multi‑state retail footprint and overseeing all buying activities for live goods, hard goods, and related horticultural categories. This role is responsible for developing a cohesive, data‑driven buying strategy, optimizing vendor partnerships, ensuring strong in‑stock performance, and guiding the buying team toward disciplined, margin‑focused decisions that support both brands’ financial and merchandising objectives.
This leader brings deep category expertise – particularly in green goods and nursery assortments – paired with strong retail and operational acumen. The Director of Purchasing collaborates cross‑functionally with Marketing, Store Operations, and Supplier‑Partners to ensure assortments remain regionally relevant, competitively positioned, and reflective of the quality and consistency expected. The role blends high‑level strategic direction with hands‑on engagement across markets to deliver product offerings that meet customer expectations and drive profitable growth.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- National Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of buyers based in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Foster a culture of collaboration, high performance, accountability, and continuous professional development
- Procurement Strategy: Develop and execute integrated buying strategies for green goods (live plants) and hard goods. Oversee both domestic and international sourcing to ensure a diverse, premium, and financially sound product assortment.
- Financial Performance: Own gross margin performance, inventory turnover, and open‑to‑buy (OTB) planning. Analyze market trends, financial performance, and sell‑through to optimize inventory and improve profitability.
- Supply Chain & Flow of Goods: Manage the end‑to‑end movement of inventory. Coordinate with logistics partners, growers, and distributors to ensure timely, accurate, and high‑quality delivery of product to all retail locations.
- Vendor Relations: Negotiate contracts and maintain strategic partnerships with domestic and international vendors to secure exclusive products and competitive pricing.
- Trend Forecasting: Monitor horticultural, seasonal, and outdoor‑living trends. Provide strategic insight to ensure both brands remain category leaders and preferred destinations for customers.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Retail Buying Experience: 8+ years of progressive retail procurement experience, including leadership of buying teams
- Global & Domestic Sourcing: Proven success managing both domestic supply chains and international purchasing/import processes
- Analytical Strength: Strong command of retail math, P&L levers, OTB management, and inventory systems
- Team Leadership: Experience managing geographically dispersed teams across multiple time zones
- Industry Affinity: A genuine love for gardening, landscaping, or the outdoor lifestyle. The ability to translate a passion for plants into a profitable retail strategy is essential.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.