Category Buyer

As a critical member of the revenue-generating Procurement Team, the Category Buyer plays a strategic role in driving sustainable growth through data-driven and customer-centric procurement decisions.

This position is responsible for developing and executing purchasing strategies that align with broader business objectives, with a focus on maximizing category revenue and profitability.

The Category Buyer ensures optimal service levels and supplier performance, while upholding quality and cost-efficiency standards.

Success in this role is measured by the ability to meet or exceed category margin targets, enhance the customer experience, and deliver consistent value across the supply chain.

Responsibilities:


* Strategic Procurement: Develop and execute category procurement strategies that align with revenue and margin goals, ensuring products are sourced at competitive costs while maintaining service level.


* Customer Commitment Fulfillment: Deliver on customer expectations by maintaining high service levels, ensuring on-time and accurate product fulfillment, and addressing customer needs effectively.


* Revenue & Margin Growth: Monitor and report on category performance, driving initiatives to meet or exceed sales growth and margin improvement targets.


* Inventory Management: Optimize inventory levels to support service goals while reducing excess and obsolete stock.

Collaborate with the Demand Planning team to ensure accurate forecasts and inventory replenishment.


* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Demand Planning, and Product Management to ensure alignment on key initiatives, including promotions, new product launches, and category performance tracking.

Expectations/Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):


* Achieve or exceed category sales growth and margin improvement targets (% YoY).


* Maintain in-stock rates at or above 95% for key SKUs.


* Achieve customer order fulfillment accuracy of 98%+ and reduce order cycle time.


* Deliver cost savings through vendor negotiations (% savings YoY).


* Achieve an inventory turnover ratio that meets or exceeds target.


* Foster strong vendor relationships with on-time delivery rates at or above 95%.


* Contribute to category growth through successful product launches or SKU rationalization.

Education/Experience Required


* Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).


* At least 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, preferably in a Category Buyer or similar role.


* Strong understanding of inventory management, procurement strategies, and supplier negotiations.


* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.


* Excellent communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.


* Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Excel.

Oracle and B...