The Assistant Buyer is responsible for partnering with the buyer, focused on driving sales and gross margin in our retail businesses. As an assistant buyer you will be responsible for managing product, price, promotion, and placement with partners across planning, cultivation, wholesale, own brand, and retail operations within your assigned geographic market(s). Key areas of responsibility include initial review of assortment across 3rd party and private brand, proposing pricing and promotions to the buyer, and partnering with retail operations on in store merchandising opportunities. Primary day to day tasks include writing purchase orders, managing inventory, assisting in the evaluation of market conditions, developing initial seasonal product and promotional strategies and managing the day to day aspects of merchandise vendor relations. To be successful in this role, the Assistant Buyer must be able to act as the “business owner” of their market, with a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and the ability to quickly pivot to maximize business opportunities.
Starting pay for this role ranges from $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 depending on experience
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
Leverage market data and insights to develop a market based assortment strategy in partnership with the Buyer, that will deliver total and private brand sales and margin objectives
Be the expert on the market, the customer and the competition in the assigned market (s) / geographies
Identify product trends and assist in qualitative and quantitative analysis; partner with the private brand team on new product opportunities identified in those analyses
Develop, communicate, and execute seasonal department strategies in partnership with the Buyer for existing stores as well as new store openings
Manage the assortment daily including item creation, maintenance, writing purchase orders
Develop and refine the initial pass at promotional plans to deliver sales and margin goals, including own brand sales and penetration
Build strong supplier partnerships that deliver on joint business plans and goals
Partner cross functionally within PharmaCann to ensure coordination and execution of merchandising and promotional plans
Communicate complex ideas and concepts clearly, concisely, and effectively to multiple audiences
Additional responsibilities as assigned by manager
Competencies
Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising or related field. 1-3 years of relevant work experience considered in lieu of education
1-3 years of experience in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong organizational skills including prioritizing tasks, time management, and meeting deadlines
Proven track record of taking ownership and driving financial results
Detail oriented with strong analytical ability and a solid understanding of retail math
Cannabis experience preferred
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Supply Chain, or related field. Relevant work experience considered in lieu of education
Minimum 1-3 years of experience in Merchandising
Additional experience in cannabis buying a plus
Strong financial acumen & analytical skills with the ability to improve efficiencies and operations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, & PowerPoint), advanced Excel skills
Experience in Microsoft NAV / D365, LeafTrade, LeafLink, the cannabis industry, and state seed to sale tracking systems (metrc, biotrack, MJ Freeway) is preferred
