Director of Purchasing

Director of Purchasing – Luxury Cannabis Retailer

Join Our Growing Team in NYC

This November, we will open a four-story, luxury cannabis retail store in the heart of Midtown. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Purchasing to shape the future of our retail enterprise.

About Us:

• Location: New York City, Midtown West
• Opening Date: November 2024
• Anticipated Start Date: September 2024
• Mission: To provide an unparalleled cannabis experience to our community.

Summary

As the buyer you will be responsible for sourcing, developing, and introducing product ranges that meet the needs of the store network and customer base. As a key leader in the business, you will manage buying for the entire retail chain including DTC. 

This role will have accountability for the profitability of assortments, promotions, mark-downs and inventory management. With partnership from the planning team, you will enhance the corporate profits by acquiring suitable goods at competitive prices while managing inventory. Understanding the customer demographic and identifying the needs for the target audience is a critical skill to predict future trends to fulfill consumer demand. 

Our company (which owns, among other businesses, Amali and Calissa restaurants) has received commendations from President Barack Obama, The Ford Foundation and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights for its’ commitment to sustainable labor practices. 

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Business Planning:

• Develop, drive, and execute an Omni business plan in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Foster business success by aligning strategies across channels.

Product Innovation and Vendor Management:

• Drive product innovation and development.
• Negotiate with vendors to ensure the right assortment of trend-right products that meet or exceed financial expectations.

Merchandising and Assortment:

• Lead merchandising strategies for all sales channels.
• Analyze competitive and aspirational assortments (both brick-and-mortar and digital) to optimize business strategies.
• Understand customer perspectives and align merchandise assortments with their needs.

Seasonal Planning and Performance Management:

• Collaborate with the planning team to establish seasonal strategic plans.
• Manage in-season business to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.
• Analyze business performance regularly and adapt to market trends.
• Staff training and education

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Marketing, Visual, and Store teams to communicate buys, deliveries, and inventory changes.
• Ensure alignment with overall product strategies.

Testing and Meetings:

• Execute tests using read-and-react strategies across all channels.
• Efficiently run business meetings to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.

Buying Team Management:

• Lead and manage the buying program
• Ensure merchandise fulfills product needs, aligns with trends, and incorporates consumer feedback.

Required Qualifications:

·  Bachelor's Degree 

·  3 years prior buying experience from a specialty retailer. 

·  3 years experience in a leadership role. 

·  Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting. 

·  Ability to manage a sku intensive category with efficiency & accuracy. 

·  Strong understanding of cannabis trends  

·  Strong financial acumen and understanding of retail math. 

·  High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.