Assistant Buyer - San Diego, United States - PriceSmart

Description

About the Job

Hello, potential future PriceSmart candidate. Were on a mission to hire the very best, and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours

What's unique about this job (What youll do)

Right Merchandise:

• Gain knowledge/experience with international warehouse operations to help improve merchandise selection and execution.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of merchandise within responsible categories. Continuous (ongoing) review of merchandise categories and proposal (recommendations) of any necessary changes on item selection.

Right Condition:

• Ensure that vendors supply products in the right condition with regards to labels, packaging, palletization, and shrink wrap. Work with vendors on action plan to address non-compliant items prior to delivery.
• Collect, coordinate, and review packaging files.
• Communicate with Compliance and Registration Departments to ensure products can meet regulations and ship in compliance.

Right Value/Price:

• Maintain correct vendor item data in the AS/400 system and update as necessary.
• Investigate new ways to purchase cost effectively.
• Review weekly comp shops and assists Buyer to resolve competitive problems, either through margin adjustments and/or vendor negotiations.
• Set proposed price changes for Buyer review. Ensure accurate supplier cost in the computer database to minimize supplier billing discrepancies and leverage accounting productivity.
• Leverage Company consolidated buying power to ensure lowest cost to PriceSmart operating units.
• Problem solve when invoice discrepancies occur, ensuring accuracy on vendor payments.
• Ongoing research for the most effective ways of distribution of merchandise to warehouses.

Right Time and Quantity:

• Work with Buyer for appropriate planning and execution of seasonal plans by managing key deadlines for item selection and execution.
• Work with Inventory Staff on action for timely correction of merchandise, out of stock or overstock situations, balancing of inventory, and necessary correction to inflow of goods into Clubs and Distribution Centers.
• Promotional Planning: Work with Buyer, Promotions Manager, and manufacturers on scheduling promotions, and with Inventory Analyst for proper flow of support inventory.
• Assist Category Buyer in management and reduction of aged inventory and assist in taking appropriate action through pricing, promotions, or other actions to clear out.
• Understand components of Open-To-Buy and margin attainment and work with Buyer on management of same.

Communication Support:

• Assist the Buyer in taking action from Operation Notes / Floorwalk Notes.
• Communicate with Buyer on problem vendors and items.
• Manage flow of paperwork and communication between vendors, warehouse's accounting, promotions, Compliance/Regulatory teams.

Vendor Management:

• Maintain a professional relationship with all vendors and company personnel.
• Support Buyer with vendor meetings by preparing reports and tools to improve negotiations.

Maintain Accurate Records:

• Collect, direct, review and approve necessary import documents prior to shipping.
• Maintain accurate supplier records. Update and maintain accurate item information in the databases.
• Verify and update first costs, discounts, spoils manuals, payment terms and conditions.
• Manage item status codes and timely reaction as required to update or replace discontinued or inactive items.

Bring your passion and expertise (Who you are)

• 2 years external retail buying experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment.
• Motivated to learn items, product categories, and international logistics.
• Ability to take direction and accomplish tasks accurately with minimal supervision and meet deadlines.
• Experience with AS/400, Strong Word & Excel skills required.
• Strong Math Skills.
• Some travel required.
• Honesty / Integrity / Fairness / Talent & Passion / Entrepreneurialism / Teamwork & Communication / Accountability to Mission.
• Organized.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong follow-up skills.
• Works well under pressure.
• Adaptable in a change oriented environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/Experience with international warehouse operations.

Some important intangibles

• You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion Community and Continuous Improvement.
• You are a self-starter who doesnt need direct supervision to motivate you for success.
• You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers.
• Enjoy working hard.
• Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging.
• Not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning.
• The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.
• Can handle stress.

The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks We take care of our people

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:

• Beyond competitive pay, PriceSmart pays the majority of the cost for your benefits.
• Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. And don't forget, a free PriceSmart Membership Card.
• Calm Meditation App.
• Fun events - Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday.
• Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth.
• Mandatory: Enjoy team building, family spirit and plenty of room to recharge.

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose: to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas arent responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door every day, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.