About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 130 locations across 13 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

What You will Learn & Do

As a Buyer in Training, you will be working with Buyers and learning all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and the vendor partnerships of various categories, while collaborating with their integrated cross-functional teams.

• Relationships
  • Develop strong vendor partnerships.
  • Partner with suppliers on product development and the Global Sourcing department in private brand, product label development, as needed.
  • Responsible for program management of marketing and vendor allowances, and promotional strategies.
  • Negotiate all pricing, vendor terms, and opportunity buys and free goods.
  • Oversee and manage communication with Stores and Distribution Centers.
  • Partner with Logistics and DC for most efficient flow of product to stores.
  • Partner with Replenishment and Planning on the flow and ordering of products.
  • Visit Rural King Stores to establish open communication and understanding store challenges.
• Product
  • Stay abreast of market dynamics and competition.
  • Manage pricing, sales, profit margin, and turn of products to budgeted plan.
  • Identify new opportunities to deliver products the customer wants and needs.
  • Conduct category line reviews as needed (2-3 per year). (Duties as assigned)
  • Develop seasonal merchandise assortments along with pricing and merchandising plans.
  • Travel to products shows and to suppliers, that pertain to your category.
• Planning/Analysis
  • Place, track, and ensure complete and on-time delivery of all new store orders.
  • Provide Inventory Planner with problems that need analysis, improvement, or change.
  • Review recommendations from Inventory Planner and determine appropriate action.
  • Partner with Inventory Planner to monitor and react to seasonal product performance.
  • Collaborates with Marketing to execute all advertising plans, promotions, and Ad flyers.
  • Maintain detailed current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trends for your area.
  • Generate and leverage reports for effective decision making.
  • Complete assortment planning and product lifecycles.
  • Collaborate to create financial plans (open to buy) that will align with organizational goals.
  • Optimize "in stock" on basic items by collaborating with your designated Replenishment Analyst.
  • Identify poor performing items and categories and reduce inventory and liabilities.
  • Partner with a Replenishment Analyst /Inventory Planner to determine sales, inventory and turn goals including preseason flow plans and projections.
• Advertising and Promotion
  • Develop and submits advertising and promotional plans that deliver increases in sales and store traffic per the advertising process, pricing policy and timelines.
  • Ensure accuracy of print advertising and product in stock to 98.5%.
  • Collaborate with the Digital Aisle Team to identify assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing. strategies to drive sales and profits. This is a core responsibility and should be a major focus.
• Store Planning
  • Provide timely direction on new SKU’s and new programs to Store Planning to develop and maintain accurate planograms per the Store Planning process and timelines.
  • Ensure planograms are appropriate to volume and space of stores and grouped for volume levels.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead the team to drive sales, manage inventory, and achieve the financial goals of the department.
  • Create and communicate a strategic vision for the department, including visual merchandising strategies.
• Be a leader who will inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King.
• Lead and drive impactful projects that directly contribute to the success and growth of Rural King.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and making a tangible difference.
• Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Goal

• Achieve the growth and competency to move into a Buyer role within 18-months

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 3 years of multi-unit purchasing experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; high proficiency in Excel preferred.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn Oracle Systems.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Behavior must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.