Interim General Merchandise Buyer

**Benefits**:

- Bonus based on performance
- Employee discounts
- Opportunity for advancement

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, BC Head Office** currently has opportunities for:
**General Merchandise Buyer (Interim)**

**This a one-year contract with possibility of extension.**

**About Us**:
At London Drugs, sourcing innovative and high-quality products is a core part of what makes us one of Western Canada's most beloved and trusted brands. Guided by our Brand Framework, our dedicated buying team travels the globe to identify emerging trends and source exciting new products—often before our customers even know they want them. This forward-thinking approach helps us lead the market in a variety of product categories.

**The Role**:
We are currently looking for an experienced Buyer to join our General Merchandise team. As a Buyer, you will play a critical role in managing the full buying cycle, with a focus on disciplined category management. You will be responsible for sourcing unique products, ensuring product availability, managing relationships with suppliers, and helping shape the future of London Drugs' product offerings. This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and performance-based advancement.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Product Sourcing & Vendor Management:

- Travel throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia to source new products and attend relevant trade shows such as ISM, Expo West, NACDS, Fancy Food Show, SPOGA, Canton Fair, and more.
- Meet with vendors to negotiate contracts, pricing, and promotional programs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing vendors while sourcing new suppliers for future product needs.
- Drive profitability through strategic negotiations, including rebates, discounts, and promotional allowances.

**Category Management & Performance Analysis**:

- Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales performance, inventory turns, and gross margins.
- Stay informed on industry trends and analyze consumer buying patterns to inform product selection.
- Adjust planograms as necessary to ensure agility and alignment with evolving market needs.
- Oversee the testing of sample products and report findings.
- Minimize defective returns through proactive quality control and vendor management.

**Inventory & Sales Management**:

- Ensure stock levels meet store inventory and promotional requirements by coordinating with store personnel.
- Review product records for accuracy and correct any discrepancies as they arise.
- Work closely with other departments within the organization to ensure timely and effective project completion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A flexible mindset with the ability to adapt to change and manage shifting priorities
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
- Sound judgment and effective problem-solving capabilities under pressure
- Exceptional organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization
- A professional approach to delegation, follow-up, and accountability
- A commitment to confidentiality and maintaining the corporate image of London Drugs

**Compensation and Benefits**:

- Starting pay will be determined based on your relevant experience, knowledge, and education, within the indicated salary range.
- In addition to your base salary, you will have the opportunity to earn significant bonuses based on your performance in meeting sales, margin, inventory, contribution goals, and other key metrics.
- We believe in rewarding hard work and offering opportunities for growth. Our promote-from-within philosophy ensures that high performers have the chance to advance their careers with us.

**Our comprehensive benefits package includes**:

- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Coverage for you and your family
- Employee Discount Program - Enjoy savings as we share our success with you
- Employee Recognition Program - Receive tangible rewards for your outstanding work
- Company-Matched RRSPs - Helping you plan and save for your future
- Ongoing In-House Training & Education Courses - Committed to your lifelong learning and professional development
- Employee Family Assistance Program - Free, confidential counseling to support your well-being
- Community Involvement - Opportunities to give back and make a positive impact in 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 w