Purchasing Operations Manager

Southern Hobby Distribution, LLC was founded in 1991 with one simple goal: to become our customers’ greatest asset by delivering top-quality products, unmatched customer service, and the most knowledgeable sales staff in the hobby industry. Southern Hobby Distribution is a Collectivus Holdings company, serving retailers and collectors across the hobby and collectibles industry. Website: www.collectivusholdings.com Company: Southern Hobby Distribution | A Collectivus Holdings Company Job Title: Purchasing Operations Manager Reporting Line: EVP, Product Job Location: Remote - US Southern Hobby Distribution is seeking a Purchasing Operations Manager to oversee its buying function, with direct management responsibility for all SHD Buyers and accountability for purchasing execution, inventory performance, and day-to-day vendor relationships. The Buying Leader partners closely with the EVP, Product on category direction, assortment priorities, significant inventory investments, and strategic vendor matters. The role translates agreed priorities into actionable purchasing plans and holds the buying team accountable for results. Working with Sales, Finance, Warehouse Operations, and Technology, this leader balances product availability and customer demand with margin, cash flow, and inventory discipline. Key Responsibilities Buying Strategy & Category Execution Develop buying and category strategies aligned with business priorities. Translate approved category direction into purchasing plans, assortment priorities, and measurable goals for Buyers. Review sales trends, market conditions, collector demand, and product performance to recommend buying adjustments. Oversee replenishment and purchasing execution within approved budgets and decision guidelines. Recommend category expansion, assortment changes, and inventory investments for alignment with the EVP, Product. Buyer Team Leadership Directly manage, coach, and evaluate all SHD Buyers, including hiring, development, and performance management. Assign clear category ownership, purchasing responsibilities, approval limits, and escalation expectations. Set consistent standards for purchase orders, product setup, vendor communication, forecasting, and inventory management. Conduct regular individual and team performance reviews using defined metrics and corrective action plans. Build capabilities in data analysis, forecasting, vendor management, and purchasing discipline. Inventory & Financial Performance Develop and manage purchasing plans and open-to-buy budgets with the EVP, Product and Finance. Monitor inventory turns, stock availability, weeks of supply, aged and excess inventory, and purchasing commitments. Oversee demand forecasting and replenishment to reduce avoidable stockouts and overbuying. Identify slow-moving inventory and recommend markdown, liquidation, and end-of-life actions in partnership with Product and Finance. Track purchasing budget adherence, category margin trends, and inventory investment risks; recommend timely corrective action. Vendor & Manufacturer Relationships Oversee day-to-day vendor relationships and effective communication by the buying team. Partner with the EVP, Product on strategic vendor relationships, major negotiations, and commercial agreements, while managing day-to-day vendor execution and escalating significant commercial matters. Ensure Buyers execute agreed pricing, terms, allocations, and vendor commitments accurately. Monitor vendor fill rates, lead times, availability, and delivery reliability; address operational issues and escalate material commercial matters. Identify potential improvements to allocations, purchasing terms, and vendor performance for review with the EVP, Product. Coordinate vendor updates, launches, and industry event participation as needed. Operational Execution & Collaboration Oversee timely, accurate purchase orders and product records, including SKUs, pricing, descriptions, and vendor attributes. Coordin…

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