Position Summary: The Western Buyer is responsible for directly leading all purchasing activities with vendor relationship responsibility, deal negotiations, and merchandising within the Western category of our Merchandising department. The Western Buyer is expected to both understand and manage the product line(s) to maximize the customer experience.
The nitty-gritty:
- Secures and analyzed product quotes and negotiates prices and terms with suppliers
- Proposes product selection and accompanying pricing/ terms with Senior Merchandising team
- Studies and analyzes market/ industry trends and reports findings to Senior Merchandising team
- Develop relationships with new brands and advocate for the SmartPak platform
- Build detailed buying and marketing plans as well as growth strategies for vendors and private label merchandise
- Negotiate and secure vendor participation in marketing events
- Provide timely resolution to vendor maintenance and ordering issues
- Analyze merchandising data and makes recommendations on category and product management
- Conduct industry research and identifying new trends and sources
- Provide delivery updates and product knowledge information to Customer Care, Retail Store, and Production as appropriate
- Assist in paste-up/ catalog layout
- Assist in vendor relations
- Some travel required to buying shows/ vendor sites
- Other special projects!
Position Must-have’s:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 2+ years’ experience
- Western horse experience strongly preferred
- Experience forging and building vendor relationships, planning product cycles, and selling online is preferred
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent Excel and PC skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-motivated and resourceful multi-tasker.
- Attention to detail.
The Marketing Manager, Western is an outstanding opportunity to contribute in a visible way to the success of SmartPak’s growing Western division, one that is focused on partnering with Western riders in the care and enjoyment of their horse(s). Reporting to the Vice President-Western, the Marketing Manager-Western will be responsible for managing SmartPak’s Western marketing initiatives including developing/positioning a strong brand and executing customer communications, advertising, promotions and direct mail strategies to acquire and retain customers.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute marketing programs that increase brand identity and awareness of SmartPak Western
- Drive production of marketing and sales materials, including advertising, emails and other promotional initiatives.
- Assist with the development and implementation of the annual Western marketing plan with the result of increased brand awareness, sales and ROI.
- Coordinate with Marketing and Merchandising teams to assist in the launch of strategic brands and products – creating marketing plans for launch, sampling, positioning, etc.
- Receive work assignments from VP, Western based on current needs, experience and particular strengths in marketing.
- Analyze the performance of the brand including trends, competitive activity, and profitability
- Provide direction to the sales team on marketing strategies
- Budget preparation and monitoring of these budgets
- Lead research initiatives with customers and prospects to gain a stronger understanding of their attitudes and beliefs with the ability to convert that analysis into actionable projects and efforts.
- Plus many other projects and opportunities!
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or a related field
- 3+ years industry or equivalent years marketing experience
- Equine experience will give you a leg up! (Western riding experience/background is a strong plus)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate ideas to senior staff
- Self-motivated and able to work in a very fast paced environment
- Strong analytical skills with ability to conduct detailed competitive and research analysis
- Results orientated with a high level of creativity
- Enthusiastic attitude and a sense a humor are a must!
To apply, please visit our website at: www.SmartPakEquine.com/Jobs
