Buyer

Hicks Nurseries, a $40 million revenue, single-location retail, and wholesale garden center is seeking a Buyer who is excited to learn our business and product lines, and develop, grow, and advance within the company.

We sell trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropicals, houseplants, garden and plant care merchandise, decorative pots and containers, patio furniture, outdoor living accents and dcor, and more. Additionally, we are Long Island's largest Christmas store selling fresh trees, wreaths, roping, and centerpieces; artificial trees and greens; indoor and outdoor lights and lawn dcor; ornaments and collectibles of all types; and much more.

Job Objective:

Participate in item procurement, program management, and special orders as directed by a senior buyer. This is accomplished by:

Participating in the development of buying programs alongside the senior buyer. Monitoring inventory levels on select items. Engaging in planning meetings with the operations staff and buying team.

Purchasing and/or reordering items/groups of items as assigned. Interacting with vendors to place orders to fulfill special orders.

Working the Retail and wholesale floors to better understand customer needs. Making recommendations and incorporate findings into buying plan(s). Assisting in customer service, merchandising, signing, or other activities as necessary.

Creating purchase orders according to documented processes and procedures.

Interacting with merchandise vendors to resolve issues related to breakage and partial orders. Inspecting deliveries upon arrival.

Managing item and program sales as directed

Traveling to trade shows, competitors, and other industry events. Participating in product selection and give feedback. Participating in market research by analyzing things such as competitor products, displays, and pricing.

Required Experience and Skills

3-10 years of experience managing a retail buying program.

Bachelor's degree.

Affinity for, or experience with, horticulture/gardening preferred

Ability to readily learn and use various software packages that may be new to you.

Strong analytical and math skills.

Able to notice patterns in data and turn them into useful insights and practical actions.

Ability to demonstrate initiative and drive solutions.

Able to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.

Possess critical thinking and troubleshooting abilities.

Ability to maintain cooperative professional relationships with customers, peers, managers, vendors, and the community in general, while projecting a professional image through in-person, electronic, and telephone interactions.

Able to effectively deal with persons in difficult and stressful situations.

Ability to communicate effectively in English - reading, orally, and in writing.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to navigate showroom floors and vendor facilities for extended periods of time.

Must be able to travel multiple weeks of the year

Must be able to consistently lift 10 lbs. independently and occasionally lift more.

Work Environment

Fast-paced.

Team focus.

Office workstation location much of the time.

Greenhouse location some of the time with fans and other cooling devices but without air conditioning; the temperature in warm-weather seasons can be above 90 degrees at times.

Environment where noise level varies but can be loud at times.

Dusty, dirty, muddy work areas.