Russell Cellular · 1 month ago
Inventory Purchasing Manager
Battlefield, MO, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expRussell Cellular is a leading company in the wireless retail sector, and they are seeking an Inventory Purchasing Manager to optimize inventory levels and support distribution strategies. The role involves vendor negotiations, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration to align purchasing with market demands.
MobileRetailTelecommunicationsWireless
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a strategic purchasing plan for key categories: devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables) and accessories (cases, chargers, cables, audio, etc.)
Lead vendor negotiations to drive incremental margin, funding capture, and favorable terms for Russell Cellular
Work with the merchandising team to align buys around OEM/Carrier launches
Translate sales forecasts (including device attach rates, accessory per unit, promo bundles) into accurate Inventory levels
Monitor Weeks on Hand (WOH), turn rates, sell-through, and open-to-buy. Identify slow-moving SKUs, recommend action (re-allocation, markdown, etc..) to maintain fresh assortments
Plan and execute accessory bundling strategies to drive attach rate and accessory revenue
Support product launches, promotions, and seasonal events with proactive buy strategies
Maintain and use Russell Cellular’s POS tools to manage vendor data, SKU master, purchase orders, and forecasting models
Provide weekly/monthly to Executive Team and OEM partners
Identify process improvements: strengthen purchasing controls, streamline communications between merchandising, stores and operations teams
Work closely with Inventory Control to ensure stock accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and reduce write-offs and shrink
Collaborate with Store Operations and Regional Directors to communicate product availability, launch readiness, and promo compliance
Lead a team of 2–3 Buyers/Analysts supporting accessory and device categories. Set clear goals, coach on KPI metrics and promote professional development
Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decisions, and proactive inventory control
Serve as the subject matter expert on device/accessory trends, consumer behavior, and competitive retail merchandising strategies
Qualification
Required
Minimum 5 years' experience in purchasing or buying roles, preferably in wireless retail, consumer electronics, or mobile accessories
Proven ability to negotiate vendor terms, manage funding/incentive capture and control margin leakage
Strong analytical skills with experience in forecasting, reporting, and ERP/POS systems; advanced Excel skills required
Demonstrated leadership experience managing at least one direct report; strong coaching and feedback skills
Comfortable working in a high-velocity retail channel with shifting launches, promotional cycles, and aggressive sales targets
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to partner across Finance, Sales Ops, Merchandising and OEM/Vendor Partners
Preferred
Prior experience with Verizon programs or carrier-retail networks is a strong plus
Benefits
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as paid sick days and company holidays
Employer matched 401K after 1 year
Employee Assistance Programs
Verizon Sales discounts and incentives
Same-day pay options
Amazing company culture
Company
Russell Cellular
Russell Cellular, Inc. is an exclusive Verizon Authorized Retailer specializing in wireless communication services
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Robert Lister
Chief Financial Officer
Darin Wray
Chief Operating Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase