Associate Buyer, Kitchen

Overview

The Associate Buyer position is responsible for an area of the Buyer’s business where they lead the product assortment selection process, manage inventories and implement merchandising directives for all store locations as well as our online store. This positions partners with the Buyer and Merchandise Planner for the timely delivery of products to increase sales and gross margin. This is a full-time, salaried exempt position.

 

What We Stand For  

Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers and communities and influence every aspect of our business. 

Responsibilities

 

• Identifies vendors and selects the assortment of storage and organization products that best represent our brand and truly differentiate The Container Store as the storage and organization experts
• Establishes and maintains mutually beneficial vendor relationships and negotiates with vendors to obtain the best pricing and terms possible
• Works with Buyer to lead and direct vendor meetings, communicate the processes, principles and values of The Container Store to our vendors and promote and support the Company interests
• Assists Buyer in leading and guiding Assortment Review Meetings, determining agenda, timing, and objectives as well as creating and following through on action items
• Researches industry trends and engages with the vendor community to stay current on future and emerging industry trends and develop merchandising strategies to maintain competitive edge in the marketplace
• Reviews and considers product performance and customer feedback and analyzes sales trends to develop a strategic course of action for future and existing product assortments for both stores and online
• Analyzes the competition to ensure The Container Store’s product is competitively priced and our merchandising and product assortment is the best possible
• Partners with the Buyer to train, coach and develop the Assistant Buyer
• Partners with the Merchandise Planner and Visual Sales team to develop strategic product placement and adjacencies that produce a visual presentation that drives sales
• Creates and maintains SKU and vendor information in our proprietary Merchandise Management System (MMS)
• Develops timely, relevant and actionable communication to other departments within the company to support the introduction of new products or collections to maximize sales potential

 

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.

 

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
• Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
• We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.

 

For our full-time associates, we offer even more:

• Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
• Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
• Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
• Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celeb