Furniture Merchandise Buyer and Inventory Manager

Company Summary

Surplus Furniture and Mattress Warehouse is a national furniture retailer with locations spanning from Alberta to Newfoundland. We provide fantastic value to our consumers making us a price leader in Canada. Even with consistent growth, Surplus Furniture and Mattress Warehouse has not lost sight of its beginnings or the reasons for its success. We continue to sell quality furniture at warehouse prices No fancy buildings, no overhead, just great prices.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the Merchandise Manager is responsible for inventory analysis of all Company products, identifying product needs, sourcing and negotiating product fulfillment. You must have Furniture buying experience

**Responsibilities**:
Key Responsibilities:
1. Sourcing and Procurement
- Identifying and evaluating relevant products and suppliers.
- Negotiating competitive pricing, terms and product fulfillment with Vendors.
- Managing the timing and quantity of new product/orders to align with demand forecasts.
- Assist in developing and maintaining the product roadmap based on market and customer needs.

2. Inventory Management/Optimization
- Ensuring optimal inventory levels to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
- Working to reduce carrying costs by identifying slow-moving items or overstocked products (movement of goods).
- Creating reports for upper management on stock levels, order status, and overall inventory performance.
- Analyzing inventory data to identify trends, forecast demand, and make informed decisions.
- Use data-driven insights to ensure products are aligned with customer expectations.

3. Identifying Product Needs
- Analyzing sales trends and historical data to predict future inventory needs.
- Uncover opportunities for new products.
- Work closely with management teams to define product requirements based on identified needs.
- Ensuring quality control.

4. Market Knowledge and Trend Awareness
- Staying updated on market trends and understanding current styles, materials and customer preferences to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Identifying best-selling items and areas for improvement.
- Keeping an eye on competitor offerings and what they are stocking and selling.

Skills Required:
1. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is essential when managing inventory records to avoid discrepancies that can lead to overstocking or stockouts.

2. Analytical Skills: Being able to assess inventory data and use insights for forecasting and decision-making is critical.

3. Organization: A highly organized approach is necessary to manage a large volume of stock across various locations.

4. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with inventory management software, spreadsheets (Excel), and other related tools is crucial for maintaining accurate data and streamlining processes.

5. Problem-Solving: The ability to address inventory challenges quickly, such as excess stock, damaged goods, or missed deliveries.

6. Communication Skills: Coordinating with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams requires clear communication.

7. Project Management: Managing inventory control systems, and implementing new processes require project management skills.

**Experience**:

- Previous buying experience in the Furniture or Mattress industry a must.
- Previous experience in furniture warehouse management, supply chain operations, or inventory control is often required.

Key Relationships

This position interfaces with internal and external contacts:

- Internal reports: President, Regional and District Managers
- External reports: Vendors

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Barrie, ON L4N 2E3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience with Furniture buying?

**Language**:

- English (required)

Willingness to travel:

- 25% (preferred)

Work Location: In person