Category Buyer

Ingram Content Group (ICG) is seeking a Category Buyer to join ourteam in Arkansas! This individual will partner with the Category Manager, Director and sales team to maximize profitability through effective use of buying systems and data analysis to acquire product and develop efficient and accurate allocation strategies.  Orders and allocates product in such a way as to improve customer sales and decrease returns, while maintaining Ingram’s profit margin. Supports the departmental effort to provide full inventory management support to customers, which includes but is not limited to creating sales forecasts and inventory reporting for customers, publishers and internally; management of customer marketing and promotions; creating and managing inventory for store openings.

Ingram Content Group (“Ingram”) connects people with content in all forms. Providing comprehensive services for publishers, retailers, libraries, and educators, Ingram makes these services seamless and accessible through technology, innovation, and creativity. With an expansive global network of offices and facilities, Ingram’s services include digital and physical book distribution, print-on-demand, and digital learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience (4 years in inventory management, or purchasing experience)
• 2+ years inventory management and purchasing experience OR 2+ years in publishing, wholesale or sales

Preferred Qualifications:

• Personal computing skills to include; demonstrated intermediate level proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to be flexible/multi-task based on workflow demands.
• Ability to speak, write and read the English language
• Ability to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity, creativity to changing needs and situations.
• Ability to maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.
• Ability to receive and give information in a courteous manner over the telephone, via electronic communication or in person.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Director and Category Managers to develop and execute strategies to drive sales and profitability
• Monitor performance of product categories and make recommendations for improvement.
• Works closely with Category managers and directors to buy and manage content Maintains inventory; understands needs of customers; maximizes sell-through while maintaining service levels on titles.
• Analyzes customer sales to detect sales behaviors, trends and opportunities for allocation improvement.
• Communicates with customers consistently about any inventory issues that will impact them and provides solutions as needed.
• Communicates weekly allocation needs to DCs, including packing and assortment specifics.
• Completes item set up based on necessary timing to ensure execution of allocation strategy
• Works with publishers (imprints and/or distribution lines) to buy and return inventory to achieve company goals for fill rate and inventory turns.
• Selects products and submits initial buys based on sales history of comparable titles in collaboration with publisher reps., demonstrates knowledge of market trends, and has a thorough understanding of the impact of marketing and media on the title's sales potential.; maintains inventory levels based on assigned publishers; understands specific needs of customers; maximizes sell-through while maintaining service levels on all new titles.
• Collaborates with management for direction concerning critical titles. Ex. award winning, high media profile, etc.
• Utilizes available reports and tools such as iQ and Qlik to analyze sell-through, fill rates and other key factors to ensure the health of category/items
• Represents the inventory needs of customers; works with publishers to ensure that Ingram and its customers receive a fair and adequate share of inventory on all titles.
• Uses Product systems to manage inventory levels and fill rate through a combination of buying, returns, and DC transfers.
• Works with publishers to assure timely arrival of purchase orders. Expedites and confirms receipt by publisher of hot title orders. Tracks shipments and resolves supply chain problems and inefficiencies.
• Works with Category Managers to establish annual Coop marketing pools and execute agreements.
• Drives greater profitability through effective management of stock offers and other incentives.
• Prepares relevant information and assists in formulating a list of objectives for business reviews.  Participates in periodic business reviews and assists in following up on the outcomes of those reviews.
• Participates as a positive team player within the sales team and within the Ingram organization and provides support as a category expert and publisher contact.
• Actively communicates resolution of issues to other Ingram departments.
• Responds to internal inquiries from other departments.

Hiring Salary Range: $58,298K - $72,657K. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. It will be determined by factors including but not limited to:  the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, geographic location, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.