Merchant/Buyer Jobs

Pet Food Express is looking for an experienced and creative Merchant/Buyer to execute the delivery of high-quality merchandise that meets our standards. Reporting to the Head Merchant, the Merchant/Buyer has an ongoing responsibility of meeting sales performance expectations and maintaining vendor relationships. We’re seeking a Merchant/Buyer who’s determined to investigate the market for hidden gems. You’ll evaluate and nominate new vendor partners that will offer the fun, innovative, healthy, and safe products that will enhance the well-being of pets and then justify to stakeholders why the new supplier selection will drive the business forward. The ideal candidate will have specialty chain experience (doesn’t need to be pet product-specific), experience leading and developing a team, persuasive skills, and is eager to continuously learn and get to know our stores in order to develop merchandise strategies that leverage our unique attributes.

What You'll Do

• Present and engage meetings of 100+ store management personnel on a monthly basis
• Gain in-depth knowledge of each category and product within the category assigned, vendor capabilities, what the competition is doing within each category, sales performance, as well as ingredient/materials, price points, and channels sold through for all products
• Supervise and develop Assistant Category Managers in order to meet performance expectations
• Analyze and keep abreast of emerging trends, communicate relevant product news, and nutritional information
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships, as well as negotiate for the most favorable terms and discounts
• Create a differentiating vision for each category, as well as identify new opportunities that will enhance the customer experience and keep Pet Food Express on the forefront of innovation, nutrition and pet safety
• Evaluate and nominate new vendor partners and effectively articulate justification to stakeholders

What You'll Need

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, as well as proven presentation and negotiation skills
• Experience managing change or developing merchandising programs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Highly organized, adaptable to quickly changing priorities, with excellent attention to detail
• Strong leadership, coaching and development skills
• Strong critical thinking and business curiosity, including exceptional analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• 6 years of merchandising/marketing experience with 3 years of specifically buying-related experience
• Thorough understanding of buying, merchandising, competition (with preferred multi-store chain experience)
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Business Administration preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to take charge and make high-level decisions

What You'll Love

• Competitive pay including vacation, holiday and sick pay
• A collaborative team that makes an impact
• A management team that cares about your professional development
• A generous store discount for employees and family members
• Health insurance, 401(k) match, profit sharing, and other great benefits—even pet insurance!
• A pet-friendly work environment with an outdoor dog park!

About The Company

We’re Pet food Express, and we’re transforming our customers’ relationships with their pets. How? With exactly-right products, helpful services, and expert advice for even the toughest pet problems. Since 1986, our commitment to purpose over profits has driven our decades-long history of continuously strong growth. But don’t take our word for it: in addition to a long list of national awards, we’ve been a “Top Bay Area Workplace” for 8 years running. Our dog-friendly office is collaborative, hard-working, and fun. Sound like the right fit? We’d love to hear from you.

Pet Food Express is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or locally protected class.

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