Job Description

About the Job

Hello, potential PriceSmart 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!

The Global Buyer is responsible for driving product selection, pricing, and vendor negotiations to meet or exceed sales and profitability targets across all PriceSmart markets. The Global Buyer works cross-functionally to manage inventory, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and category management while ensuring that buying decisions are aligned with the company’s financial goals. The Global Buyer will demonstrate leadership to guide their team towards success while developing the next generation of talent in the buying organization.

What You'll Do

Product Selection & Assortment Planning

• Lead item selection and negotiation processes to achieve department sales and profitability targets.
• Manage a limited assortment of SKUs within space constraints, ensuring efficient operations at club locations while maintaining a compelling product selection.
• Assess and manage SKU count, optimizing assortments to balance operational efficiency with customer appeal.
• Identify new products and develop an innovation strategy: Scout for new products and trends, hot buys and treasure hunt items that will create excitement for PriceSmart members.

Vendor Management

• Collaborate with vendors to develop exclusive and/or innovative products that meet PriceSmart member demands and offer compelling value versus the competition.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to support effective and mutually beneficial negotiations.
• Negotiate terms that prioritize PriceSmart members, ensuring competitive pricing, quality standards, and promotional support.
• Uphold PriceSmart’s reputation for transparency and credibility in negotiations to foster long-term vendor partnerships.

Trade Expertise & Market Research

• Attend multiple trade shows annually to stay informed on industry and supplier trends.
• Research and negotiate with new vendors to expand the supplier network and enhance product offerings.
• Leverage competitor data to negotiate the best pricing, promotional terms, and product quality from vendors.

Pricing & Margin Management

• Set pricing targets for categories and items to maximize sales and profitability.
• Implement margin strategies, such as adjusting margins on high-volume B2B products to drive sales, while balancing the financial health of the category.
• Identify opportunities to grow sales while managing markdown risks, ensuring optimal pricing and profit margins.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Ensure clear communication and alignment with the inventory, logistics, marketing and digital commerce teams regarding program projections, new item launches, SKU plans, promotions, and other key factors that impact inventory and sales performance.

Financial & Budget Management

• Work within budget constraints to maximize profitability and ensure financial targets are met. Monitor budget variances and develop action plans to address potential shortfalls or overspending.
• Monitor inventory health, using sell-through data to address slow-moving or unproductive inventory. Develop and execute strategies for clearing aged inventory while maintaining profitability.
• Ensure all buying decisions are aligned with the company’s financial objectives.

Leadership and Teaching

• Performance Management: Conduct regular performance evaluations, set individual goals, and provide constructive feedback to enhance team members' performance and career growth.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to Assistant Buyers and other direct reports, helping them develop their skills and knowledge of the 6 Rights of Merchandising.

Reporting & Analysis

• Provide forward-looking strategies and plans for inventory management, new product launches, and seasonal programs to maximize sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales data, supplier performance, and market trends to make data-driven purchasing decisions.
• Continually assess product performance, pricing, and promotional effectiveness, adjusting plans as necessary to optimize results.

Who You Are

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in retail buying for a warehouse club or mass retail environment. Proven track record of increasing responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation skills demonstrated in vendor management and pricing strategies.
• Deep understanding of retail product assortment planning and SKU management.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and margin management.
• Strong analytical abilities to interpret sales data and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with attention to detail.
• Ability to work five days per week in the office and travel internationally
• Bilingual English / Spanish preferred

Key Competencies:

• Negotiate: Skilled in conducting and leading negotiations that result in mutually beneficial agreements with vendors.
• Execute: Drive the execution of buying strategies, promotional plans, and product launches with attention to detail and results.
• Decide: Make informed decisions based on data analysis, financial performance, and market trends to optimize product selection and pricing.

Some Important Intangibles

• You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Community and Continuous Improvement
• You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success
• You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers
• Enjoy working hard
• Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging
• The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.
• The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education Assistance Program
• 401K Contributions
• Life Insurance
• LTD
• PriceSmart Membership Card
• Pet Insurance
• Calm Meditation App
• BenefitsHub for Employee Discounts
• Fun events
• Employee recognition
• Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
• ...and more!

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door everyday, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.

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