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 Blue Ridge experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work at least two days in the office.
• Some travel may be required for vendor visits or Company’s events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications in procurement or supply chain (e.g., CPSM, CSCP).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in sales analytics and demand planning tools.

Benefits - Office

• Voted Best Place to Work by Triangle Business Journal
• Hybrid Work Environment
• No waiting period for health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• 401k with Company Match
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Onsite Gym
• Free Snacks & Coffee

Supplemental Information

This description is based on management’s assessment of the requirements and functions of the job as of the date this description was prepared. It is a general guideline for managers and employees, but it does not purport to be a complete list of all the elements of the job. Management reserves the right to modify the description at any time or vary the duties and responsibilities of the job on a temporary or indefinite basis to meet production, scheduling, staffing, or customer needs.

Essential Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee must be physically capable of operating a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Employment Overview

Bob Barker Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a welcoming environment for all team members. Bob Barker Company maintains Affirmative Action Plans for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Bob Barker Company follows the federal Fair Chance Act and will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Bob Barker Company is a Drug-free workplace. Upon receipt of an offer of employment, a pre-employment drug screen is required.

Bob Barker Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.