Buyer, General Merchandise

Not just a job

a community

a partnership

a team

You’ll experience them all at London Drugs. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most successful retail chains, we know what it takes to build a satisfying career. We are seeking innovative, customer focused people to join our team

Our
**Richmond Head Office** currently has opportunities for:
**Buyer - General Merchandise**

The Buyer - General Merchandise, is accountable for the buying functions that support the Merchandise, Marketing and Operational Standards within a Division. This includes, but is not limited to, planning and selecting a range of products to sell in retail outlets.

When making purchasing decisions, the Buyer must consider the following factors:

- Customer demand, including price, quality and availability
- Market trends
- Store policy
- Financial budgets.

Keeping up to date with market trends and reacting to changes in demand are key elements of the role. Buyers source new merchandise and review existing items to ensure products remain competitive. By fully understanding customer needs, they are able to maximize profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
The Buyer’s function encompasses all aspects of the buying cycle, i.e. product selection, inventory management, advertising, training and any other function required to increase sales, revenues, and results for the company, such as:

- Meet with vendors and negotiate contracts and promotions.
- Maintain relationships with existing vendors and source new vendors for future products.
- Enhance profit opportunities through areas such as rebates, cash discounts, and promotional allowances.
- Review and evaluate performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels.
- Be cognizant of all relevant product trends, the significance of such trends and their possible impact on London Drugs.
- Track and analyze trends in consumer buying patterns to determine which products should be sold.
- Maintain vendor lists, company reports, assessments of achieved results, inventory turns, gross margins achieved, and return on investments.
- Attend local and International tradeshows to select and assemble a new collection of products, and to stay abreast of industry standards.
- Test sample products, and to report the results of such tests.
- Oversee management of mínimal defective returns.
- Review all product records and correct any errors or omissions as they occur.
- Ensure stock levels can support all store inventory requirements and promotions by liaising with store personnel to ensure supply meets demand.
- Liaise with other departments within the organizations to ensure projects are completed.
- Travel throughout Canada, the United States, Europe or Asia on business as required.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Adapts easily to change.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- Sound judgment and ability to effectively problem solve as required
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
- Highly organized and able to multitask effectively and work under changing priorities.
- Ability to relate to all levels of personnel.
- Ability to exercise professional judgment, delegate and follow-up.
- The ability to conceptualize, analyze, organize, and plan
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of London Drugs as well as a corporate image
- Proven abilities of inventory management

London Drugs offers advancement opportunities through our promote-from-within policies, salaries commensurate with experience, as well as a comprehensive Employee Discount Program (Sharing our success)
- Employee Recognition Program (Tangible rewards for great work)
- Company matched RRSPs (Helping you plan for your future)
- Ongoing In-House Training & Education Courses (Lifelong learning)
- Employee Family Assistance Program (Free confidential counseling)
- Community Involvement (Giving back to our communities)

London Drugs is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We are committed to building a company that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

We will provide accommodations during the recruitment process upon request.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work applicable to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Be advised, London Drugs DOES NOT use third party recruitment services.