Associate Buyer, Sporting Goods

About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding
. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion
, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee
. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally
, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s Smart Dollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

As an Associate Buyer you will be collaborating with the Buyer to drive all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.

• Work alongside a team of talented professionals who are passionate about their work and strive for excellence every day.
• Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
• Collaborate with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to support driving sales, managing inventory, and achieving the financial goals of the department.
• Maintain vendor and product information (style, SKU, pricing UPC, etc.) in internal measurement unit (IMU).
• Set up new vendors, items, and initial orders for seasonal and/or basic programs.
• Monitor Purchase Orders (PO’s) for on-time shipping and fulfillment percentage and follow up with vendors as needed.
• Maintain order files and execute PO cleanup.
• Relationships
  • Develop strong vendor partnerships.
  • Partner with suppliers on product development, as well as the Global Sourcing department on private product label development, as needed.
  • Responsible for program management of co-op, vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
  • Negotiate all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys.
  • Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
  • Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
  • Visit RK Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
• Product
  • Stay abreast of market dynamics and competition.
  • Manage pricing, sales, and profit margin of products to plan.
  • Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
  • Conduct category reviews as needed (2-3 per year).
  • Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.
• Planning/Analysis
  • Place, track and insure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
  • Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
  • Generate and leverage reports for effective decision making.
  • Complete assortment planning and product life cycles.
  • Collaborate to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
  • Optimize "in stock" on basic items.
  • Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and liabilities.
  • Partner with an Inventory Analyst to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
• Advertising and Promotion
  • Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic
  • Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5%
  • Collaborate…