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
Company paid YMCA Family Membership
What You Will Learn & Do
The Buyer in Training program is a 12–18-month development pathway designed to prepare high-potential talent for a future role in merchandising. This role builds deep expertise in the core competencies of successful buying, including:
Advanced category managementStrategic assortment planningVendor partnership developmentMargin optimization strategiesCross-functional collaboration with marketing and operationsNegotiation skill development
Key Responsibilities
Vendor & Cross-Functional Relationships
Develop strong, effective vendor partnershipsCollaborate with suppliers on product development and with the Global Sourcing team on private brand and product label developmentManage vendor allowances, marketing programs, and promotional strategiesNegotiate pricing, vendor terms, opportunity buys, and free goodsServe as the main point of contact for Stores and Distribution CentersPartner with Logistics and DC teams to optimize product flow to storesWork closely with Replenishment and Planning teams on product flow and order managementVisit Rural King stores to maintain open communication and understand in-store challenges
Product Management
Monitor market trends and competitive landscapeManage product pricing, sales, profit margins, and turnover to meet budgeted targetsIdentify and pursue new product opportunities that align with customer needsConduct 2–3 annual category line reviews and support other category duties as assignedDevelop seasonal merchandise assortments, pricing, and merchandising plansAttend product shows and visit suppliers as relevant to assigned categories
Planning & Analysis
Place, track, and ensure timely delivery of all new store ordersCollaborate with Inventory Planners to analyze and improve product performanceReview recommendations and determine appropriate actions on inventory strategiesMonitor seasonal product performance and react accordinglyPartner with Marketing on advertising plans, promotions, and ad flyersMaintain current knowledge of sales, inventory, and profit trendsGenerate and interpret reports to support data-driven decisionsManage assortment planning and product lifecycle processesHelp create financial plans (Open-to-Buy) aligned with company goalsWork with Replenishment Analysts to optimize in-stock levels on core itemsIdentify and address poor-performing items and reduce inventory liabilitiesCollaborate on preseason flow plans and inventory projections
Advertising & Promotion
Develop and submit promotional plans that drive sales and store trafficEnsure 98.5% in-stock accuracy for print advertising itemsCollaborate with the Digital Aisle Team on assortment, placement, promotions, and marketing strategies—a key focus area
Store Planning
Provide timely direction on new SKUs and programs to Store PlanningEnsure planograms are accurate, timely, and appropriate to store volume and space
Team Leadership & Development
Lead teams to drive sales, manage inventory, and meet financial goalsCommunicate a clear strategic vision, including visual merchandising strategiesInspire and mentor team members to grow personally and professionallyLead impactful projects that support Rural King’s success and growthInfluence the strategic direction of the departmentExhibit leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership ProgramExercise independent judgment and maintain confidentialityActively participate in training and professional development opportunitiesProvide friendly, professional support to internal and external partnersUphold Rural King’s core values:People FirstIntegrityAttitudeInitiativeTeamworkAccountabilityContinuous ImprovementPerform other duties as assignedSuccessfully transition into a Buyer role within 18 months
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Essential Qualities for Success
2–3 years of experience in-store retail, merchandising, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experienceStrong potential for growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentExceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking, and business acumenProven ability to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisionsExcellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills preferredAbility to quickly learn and use Oracle systemsExcellent organization and attention to detailSkilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaborationStrong understanding of retail operations and best practicesDemonstrates integrity, professionalism, discretion, and alignment with company values
Physical Requirements
Ability to remain seated or stand for extended periodsAbility to lift up to 15 pounds periodicallyAbility to move throughout and access all areas of company facilitiesEffective verbal communication in person and through digital devicesClose visual focus required for computer-based tasks
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
The pay range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.
Options Apply for this job onlineApplyShareEmail this job to a friendRefer Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later. Share on your newsfeedWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired associates. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Application FAQs
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