Global Buyer - Optical and Audiology

Hello, potential Price Smart candidate. We’re 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! We are looking for a Global Buyer for Optical & Audiology to lead the global merchandising strategy for these categories, ensuring the business remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The role strengthens the company’s position by building high value supplier partnerships, managing a complex global vendor base, and overseeing the full product lifecycle to deliver innovation, quality, and commercial results. This position is accountable for profitable procurement, timely product availability, and disciplined inventory management across assigned categories. It drives negotiations that shape cost structures, terms of sale, freight and return programs, and margin performance, ensuring alignment with corporate pricing and financial strategies.

Success is measured through achievement of sales targets, gross margin performance, and inventory health, ensuring globally sourced items remain within budgeted days of supply and financial thresholds while supporting sustainable global growth.

• The Global Buyer champions product quality, price and sourcing innovation to enhance competitiveness and member satisfaction.
• The role partners closely with U.S. leadership, regional buying and operations teams to validate category plans, optimize SKU strategies, and maintain an efficient, market relevant assortment across warehouses.
• Review inventory levels, market activity, vendor availability, and promotional plans to forecast demand and recommend accurate order quantities to the replenishment team.
• Work with the Vendor Promotions team to secure vendor funding and support for promotional programs that drive member value.
• Support the Registration and Compliance teams by ensuring all import/export documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all vendors maintain current agreements, including updated terms, compliance expectations, and performance standards.
• Review buying and distribution workflows to eliminate inefficiencies, improve productivity, and ensure staffing levels support business needs.
• Develop and maintain a seasonal merchandising/communications calendar to support timely planning and execution of high‑demand products.
• Build strong vendor relationships and conduct structured business reviews twice per year to evaluate performance and set goals.
• Develop in‑and‑out programs to strengthen categories, introduce innovation, and maintain member interest.
• Maintain strong alignment with Operations, ensuring merchandising notes and operational feedback are addressed promptly.
• Establish replenishment criteria for low‑stock items, including bracket pricing and distribution optimization.
• Review daily and weekly reports to monitor costs, quality, service levels, inventory turns, and out‑of‑stocks, acting as needed.
• Maintain accurate item information—including dimensions, pricing, terms, and category coding—in internal systems.
• Monitor team performance, identify training needs, and support ongoing development.
• Track vendor invoice payments to ensure timely processing and resolve discrepancies.
• Oversee competitive price‑shopping programs to ensure strong value positioning in Optical and Hearing Aids categories.
• Visit warehouse locations as needed to assess program execution, gather member and employee feedback, and evaluate the effectiveness of current and upcoming programs.

• Degree in Business Administration or similar areas.
• 5–8 years of experience in global procurement, category management, or buying roles within Optical (frames, lenses), Hearing Aids, Medical Devices, or related healthcare categories.
• Proven experience managing global suppliers and negotiating high-value contracts.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and quality requirements for…