Job Summary:
The Merchandising Buyer is responsible for managing product flow from vendor to distribution center to store, ensuring the right inventory is available at the right time and cost. This role partners closely with merchandising, logistics, and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels, improve in-stock performance, and support sales and margin goals. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing vendor relationships within a complex retail supply chain.
Responsibilities:
Inventory Management & Forecasting
- Responsible for maintaining inventory levels for assigned categories, balancing in-stock performance, turn and monitoring sales
- Analyze sales trends, forecasts, and historical data to inform buying decisions
- Manage replenishment cycles, safety stock, and lead times to minimize stockouts and overages
- Monitor aged, slow-moving, and excess inventory; recommend corrective actions
Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination
- Partner with logistics and distribution teams to ensure timely inbound shipments
- Track purchase orders from placement through delivery, proactively addressing delays or disruptions, and rebalancing
- Collaborate on transportation strategies, container utilization, and delivery scheduling
- Support supply chain initiatives focused on cost reduction, efficiency, and service level improvements
Vendor Management
- Manage vendor relationships, including order accuracy, lead times, fill rates, and compliance
- Communicate demand changes, forecasts, and delivery requirements to suppliers
- Support negotiations related to freight terms, minimum order quantities, and lead times
Financial & Performance Analysis
- Track key metrics including inventory turn, weeks of supply, in-stock %, and vendor performance
- Identify risks and opportunities related to demand shifts, supply constraints, or logistics challenges
- Support margin and cost objectives through disciplined buying and supply chain optimization
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Merchandising, Planning, Logistics, Distribution, and Store Operations
- Align inventory strategies with promotions, seasonal shifts, and new product launches
- Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on data and market conditions
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing or Merchandising
- 3-6 years of experience in buying, merchandising, inventory management, or supply chain within retail or consumer goods
- Strong understanding of inventory planning, replenishment, and supply chain fundamentals
- Proven ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable decisions
- Experience working with ERP, inventory management, or merchandising systems
- Advanced Excel skills; comfort working with large datasets
- Experience in high-volume or multi-location retail, Preferred
- Exposure to domestic and/or international sourcing and logistics, Preferred
- Familiarity with distribution center operations and transportation workflows, Preferred
- Analytical and detail-driven with strong problem-solving skills
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills with vendors and internal partners
- Comfortable making data-backed decisions under changing conditions
About Us:
Founded in 1991, Rooms To Go is one of the largest and fastest growing furniture retailers in the US with over 250 stores in ten southern states, eight distribution centers and an e-commerce business. Rooms To Go offers a collaborative work environment within a supportive culture.
Rooms To Go Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Associate discounts including furniture
- Company paid life and disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Programs
- And more!
Rooms To Go is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.