Merchandising/Purchasing Associate

6+ Month Contract Assignment | Onsite 5 Days Per Week

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandising/Buying Associate to support inventory replenishment and purchasing activities across a large-scale distribution operation. This role is responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels, ensuring product availability, and supporting store in-stock targets while balancing inventory turns and expiration guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have experience in inventory management, purchasing, replenishment, or supply chain operations and possess strong analytical and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Replenishment & Purchasing

• Monitor inventory levels and purchase assigned products to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Analyze warehouse inventory, open purchase orders, and historical demand data to determine daily purchasing needs.
• Support inventory management for approximately 3,000 items and 150 vendor relationships.
• Maintain inventory turn targets while ensuring product availability and service levels.
• Review inventory exception reporting and address potential stock issues proactively.
• Track open purchase orders and follow up to ensure timely product delivery.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate regularly with vendors regarding inventory strategies, product availability, out-of-stock situations, and new product launches.
• Partner with Category Managers to align on inventory strategies and product lifecycle management.
• Coordinate with logistics, warehouse teams, and internal stakeholders to support inventory objectives.
• Assist with developing exit strategies for aged or excess inventory.

Analysis & Problem Solving

• Perform root cause analysis on inventory shortages and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Learn and understand product seasonality, demand trends, and replenishment challenges within assigned categories.
• Maintain item integrity related to substitutions and product transitions.

Product & Inventory Management

• Coordinate the successful launch, deletion, and transition of products during assortment changes and resets.
• Manage hold, damaged, expired, and excess inventory and coordinate vendor returns, pickups, or product donations as needed.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned product categories and support cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in purchasing, inventory management, replenishment, supply chain, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Understanding of inventory replenishment, purchasing processes, and supply chain principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.