*Please note we are currently located in Commerce, CA however we are planning to move to Tustin, CA in the Winter.

Summary

The Sr. Buyer will be responsible to drive sales growth with exciting deals, new re-orderable items and brand name closeout merchandise while maintaining appropriate inventory turns and gross margin levels.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellence and discipline throughout the buying process (negotiations, work ethic, standards of behavior)
Drive departmental ownership and P&L mentality for product purchased without losing the gut instinct
Become a key participant and core team member for implementation of the merchandising system
Drive store level merchandising for your categories (end-cap directives, register program, signage…)
Constantly drive optimal pricing / service level combination for your categories (buy direct, continue to negotiate, plan substitutes for price increases, always have and continue to find new sources, know your categories…)
Develop relationships with and ensure we are “Dug in” with all major manufacturers in your categories.
Effectively buy for multiple regions
Key decision maker for buying decisions
Participate in major trade shows
Identify and build relationships with new vendors to continue to deliver exciting merchandise at the right price in the right place at the right time (re-orderable)
Become a category expert (shop new markets and competitors to source new ideas/products)
Work with the import and product development departments to drive improved values, margins, improved packaging and other exciting products
Gain insight and develop strong understanding of our customer base for your categories in each relevant region
Identify and stay ahead of trends
Assess profitability and optimize mix of Branded and Private label products for your categories
Rationalize duplicate or nonproductive SKU’s in your categories and replace with more productive SKU’s
Build multiple profiles to improve merchandising and purchasing (ex. Holiday, summer, baking, spring cleaning, baseball/football season, super bowl…)
Ensure your categories have key items and offer appropriate selection and value to the consumer
Assess and ensure participation in critical subcategories
Identify and implement new sub-categories as appropriate (ex. Scrapbook)
Ability to network and cultivate relationships.
Understanding of regulatory requirements (Prop 65, FDA, USDA…)
Data management/Analytical aptitude (profitability, SKU rationalization, OOS management, KPI’s)
Abide to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy.
Ensure compliance with internal controls as applicable to your function within the organization

Qualifications

Minimum Required Experience/ Skills/Knowledge:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
10+ years of Diverse Purchasing experience
Intuitive Merchandising Sense and Merchandising experience
Understanding category management and inventory management
Merchandising system experience
Experience with Closeouts or other Opportunity Buys
Experience in designing and going live with a CMS
Sales, imports and allocation experience
Category Management and Inventory Management experience

Preferred Experience/ Skills/Knowledge: (Please List)

Experience in a retail or other multi-unit environment

Competencies

Customer Focus, Action Oriented, Resilient

Salary: Starting at $135,000 (salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications.)

99 Cents Only Stores, LLC operates nearly 400 stores in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, and employs over 16,000 individuals proudly serving their communities! 99 Cents Only Stores, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.