Lead Buyer

Gertens is one of the largest family-owned garden centers in the nation, proudly serving Minnesota for generations. Known for exceptional quality, expert service, and an unmatched commitment to our customers, we offer a broad range of lawn, garden, home, and seasonal products—all backed by the strength of our family-grown values. As we continue to grow, we’re dedicated to investing in our people, nurturing talent, and creating opportunities for long-term career development.

We’re seeking an experienced Lead Buyer to support our continued growth by guiding purchasing strategy, strengthening vendor partnerships, and developing a high-performing buying team. In this role, you will oversee a large and diverse product base, making strategic decisions that directly impact customer experience, inventory performance, and company financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the purchasing process for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with company strategy and financial targets.
• Mentor and continue to develop buyers and support staff, providing leadership, training, and ongoing support for their growth.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, operations, and other partners to support optimal product selection and timing.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics—including GMROI, inventory turns, and sales trends—to inform decision-making.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.
• Conduct quarterly reviews with all buying staff to share insights, evaluate results, and ensure alignment with departmental goals.
• Drive product assortment strategy and support Gertens’ financial success through effective inventory planning and purchasing execution.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of buying experience with at least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide teams and influence cross-functional partners.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience in metrics such as GMROI, turns, and forecasting.
• Proficiency in purchasing systems and Microsoft Office Suite; Epicor experience preferred but not required.
• Strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.

Benefits of Joining Gertens

• Competitive wages
• Day, evening, and weekend schedules
• Tuition Assistance for eligible employees
• Scholarship opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Health and Welfare insurances
• 401k savings with company match
• Employee referral bonus
• Internship program

Grow Your Career with a Minnesota Family-Owned Leader — Apply Today!

If you’re a strategic, relationship-driven buyer who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys leading teams while managing a large product assortment, we invite you to apply and help shape the next chapter of Gertens’ success.

E-Verify
Gertens participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States. The E-Verify program is an internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Gertens Family of Businesses is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.