Buyer

About the Role

Beauty Brands is a well-established beauty retailer with almost 30 years in the industry, committed to helping customers feel their best. We are seeking a motivated Buyer to join our merchandising team in Kansas City, MO. This strategic role focuses on shaping product assortment, enhancing category performance, negotiating vendor deals, and leading promotional efforts across multiple beauty categories. The ideal candidate combines data insight, creativity, and trend awareness to advance our retail offerings in a fast-paced and collaborative setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee sales, profitability, inventory, and overall results for assigned product lines.
• Create and implement category management plans targeting revenue growth, margin enhancement, and inventory efficiency.
• Leverage sales data and customer insights to inform merchandising strategies.
• Develop comprehensive merchandise plans aligned with corporate goals on both seasonal and annual timelines.
• Forge and nurture vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms for programs and promotions.
• Manage diverse brands and product categories within a complex omnichannel retail framework.
• Partner with Marketing to execute integrated campaigns across email, digital, social media, and other channels.
• Conduct market research, trend evaluation, and new product reviews to spot emerging opportunities in beauty.
• Source new brand partnerships and product categories that align with consumer demand and growth plans.
• Collaborate across Merchandise, Marketing, Store Operations, and Executive teams to advance business initiatives.
• Support field staff with communication, problem solving, and training programs.
• Develop vendor-supported training sessions to boost product knowledge and sales skills.
• Maintain precise forecasting, reporting, and inventory control processes.
• Complete additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• Residence within the Kansas City metropolitan area is mandatory.
• At least three years’ experience in retail buying, merchandise planning, category management, or similar merchandising roles.
• Proven experience working with national brands and vendors within multi-channel or e-commerce retail environments.
• Strong quantitative and analytical proficiency to interpret sales, inventory, and financial data effectively.
• Advanced Excel skills including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis capabilities.
• Competence in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and business presentation tools.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities with strong prioritization skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, plus excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Expertise in negotiation, relationship development, and vendor management.
• Demonstrated capacity for cross-departmental collaboration and teamwork.

Preferred Background

• Familiarity with retail merchandise planning software, such as JDA or Blue Yonder.
• Experience in beauty, cosmetics, skincare, salon, fashion, consumer products, or specialty retail sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of assortment planning, forecasting, inventory management, and promotional activities.

Additional Information

• Beauty Brands offers a family-oriented culture that encourages innovation and teamwork.
• Employees have opportunities to influence sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction directly.
• Exposure to prominent beauty brands and evolving industry trends is part of the role.
• Professional growth and leadership chances exist through cross-functional collaboration.