Livestock Purchasing Associate

About Us Rural King is America's Farm and Home Store, dedicated to providing essential products to the communities we serve. With a diverse range of offerings from food and feed to farm and home essentials, we proudly serve over 150 locations across 17 states and are constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, based in Mattoon, IL, which houses our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. Our customers appreciate our unique shopping experience, including complimentary popcorn and coffee, showing our gratitude for their support. At Rural King, we value our associates, striving to create a positive workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals work together to serve rural communities. Join our team to find a fulfilling career while growing professionally and making a real difference! How We Reward You 401(k) plan with 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and 50% on 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'll Do As a Livestock Purchasing Associate, you'll work alongside the Buyer to enhance product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships in collaboration with a dedicated cross-functional team. Your responsibilities will include: Working with a passionate team striving for excellence daily. Leading impactful projects that contribute to Rural King's success. Collaborating with Buyers, Inventory Planners, and Sourcing to drive sales and manage inventory effectively. Maintaining accurate vendor and product information internally. Setting up new vendors and products for ongoing programs. Monitoring Purchase Orders (POs) for timely shipping and compliance. Developing strong vendor partnerships and collaborating on product development. Negotiating pricing and vendor terms to optimize costs and value. Managing communication with Stores and Distribution Centers. Staying informed about market dynamics and competitive trends. Developing seasonal merchandise assortments and pricing strategies. Collaborating on financial planning to align with organizational goals. Generating reports for informed decision-making. Participating in learning initiatives and leveraging knowledge to enhance skills. Exemplifying Rural King's values: People First, Integrity, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement. Other duties as assigned. Physical Requirements Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended periods. Capability to lift 15 pounds occasionally. Ability to navigate all facilities and communicate effectively. Close vision for computer-related activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The role is based at our corporate office in Mattoon, IL. The pay range for this position is $55,000 - $62,000 annually and is bonus eligible. Compensation is determined by factors such as geographic location, education, and experience.

Created: 2026-03-10