Summary: The successful applicant will have two main functions; both to support their Senior Category Manager in all aspects of an Associate Buyer role, setting up new vendors and skus, maintaining sku level accuracy on our website and in print and supporting their Buyer in purchasing decisions and sales analysis. In addition, the Associate will also be given buying responsibilities for your own set of categories, dependent upon your skill-set and experience.

The applicant should have at least 3-4 years’ experience in an assistant buyer / merchandiser role. They should be extremely hard-working and resourceful, organized, and creative. Applicants should be ambitious and committed to Blick and our customer base, continuously striving to improve internal processes and our customer service. There is a certain amount of administrative work in this role so applicants should have experience with reporting and excel.

To secure an interview, applicants must provide ideas and insight into potential category growth for Blick.

Major Position Responsibilities:

• Source, review, select and development new products in collaboration with Category Manager / Buyer. 
• Manage buying responsibilities for assigned categories, including vendor meetings, market trend analysis, and product decisions.
• Negotiate and resolve quality control or defective merchandise issues.
• Respond to all internal (Blick) and external (customer and vendor) product inquiries.
• Document vendor meetings and ensure appropriate follow-up actions.
• Collaborate with the Buyer to select products for print, web, and retail promotions.
• Approve product copy and pricing for both print and web media.
• Process and manage all promotional information across print, retail, and web channels
• Maintain accurate product data and ensure vendor compliance with quality, packaging, labeling, and regulatory standards (MSDS/SDS, CPSIA).
• Manage product samples, including incoming vendor submissions and outgoing requests to the art department and outlet store.
• Monitor the website regularly for content accuracy and product reviews.
• Support the Category Manager/Buyer with resolving pricing, quality, and supply issues.
• Track and address backorder status as needed.
• Communicate effectively with retail merchandisers, copywriters, and other internal departments.
• Participate in departmental or company projects as assigned.
• Perform category management duties in the absence of the Category Manager.

Required skills and experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of retail experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• 3–4 years of buying experience, preferably within a retail or merchandising environment
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and resourceful, with a strong work ethic
• Detail-oriented and analytical, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions such as pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas

Pay Rate:

The pay range below is provided in compliance with state/city specific laws. This pay range applies to this location. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

• $65,000-$75,000 per year based on experience, plus incentives
• Full benefits package that includes 401k, profit sharing

Benefits Include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401K & Profit Sharing Plan
• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
• Training Opportunities
• Basic & Optional Life Insurance
• Employee Discount

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership, and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States.

At Blick Art Materials, our family owners and dedicated staff support the Visual Art Community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices. With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.