RETAIL BUYER - MAKER CATEGORY

MICRO CENTER is the nation's leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 of the industry's best technology products. For over 45 years, our success has been built on unmatched product expertise, a passion for innovation, and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service.

At Micro Center, Passion, Energy, and Commitment aren't just words-they're how we work, grow, and win together. We take pride in creating long term customer relationships and cultivating a workplace where associates are supported, empowered, and valued.

About the Role

We are seeking a self-motivated, results driven RETAIL BUYER to join our MAKER ASSORTMENT team who has a passion for DIY electronics and maker products. As part of the Maker Assortment Team, you will be responsible for introducing our customers to all the possibilities of making. Our goal is to ensure that if a customer can dream it, they can make it using products from our shelves. You'll work with vendors, many of which are makers in the community, to bring the best products at the best prices to our stores. Some travel is required to meet with vendors, attend Maker Fairs, industry conventions, conferences and store visits. If you are passionate about making and the maker community, and you want to help others find the joy in building things from their own imagination - this is the job for you!

This position is located in our corporate headquarters in Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Relocation assistance will be provided.

What You'll Do

• Select, negotiate and bring to market best-in-class products and promotions.
• Achieve category results aligned with Micro Center's goals including revenue and profitability.
• Negotiate and manage vendor-funded marketing, merchandising and VIR programs.
• Manage vendor relationships.
• Recommend, present and direct the development and implementation of category strategies and tactical plans.
• Coordinate with the Web Development and Marketing teams to maximize merchandising opportunities.
• Participate in evaluating new business opportunities consistent with Micro Center's short and long-term business strategies.
• Regularly monitor and respond to competitor pricing.
• Accurately forecast to ensure proper stocking levels for top selling products.
• Collaborate and motivate other teams to achieve category objectives:
• Distribution and Transportation
• Retail stores (Sales and Operations)
• Web Development
• Marketing
• Finance
• Planning and Allocation

What We're Looking For

• BS degree in retail merchandising, marketing, or business preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years merchant experience as a Buyer in the Consumer Electronics industry with a passion for DIY electronics and maker products.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• A proven track record of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with vendors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and retail math skills.
• Must be self-starter who is able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work with speed and accuracy.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Must be a team player.
• Knowledge of purchasing and forecasting systems required as well as proficiency in MS Office with an emphasis on Excel, Outlook and Teams.

Benefits That Support Your Growth and Well Being

At Micro Center, we're committed to taking care of our associates so they can thrive-both at work and in life. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for regular full time associates.
• Competitive Employee Discount, including our Friends & Family Discount Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Education Savings Opportunities to support continuous learning.
• Paid Time Off for regular associates to rest, recharge, and take care of what matters most.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match to help you plan for the future.
• Industry Leading Vendor and Company Training to build your skills and product expertise.
• Clear Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities across the organization.

Why Micro Center

Our core promise is to take care of our associates and our customers. That commitment has guided our culture, our growth, and our success for more than four decades-and it's what makes Micro Center a truly exceptional place to build your career.

Micro Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.