About us

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’ll Do

As an eCommerce Buyer at Rural King, you will play a critical role in shaping the product assortment strategy for RuralKing.com. Your expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and curating products for our online store will directly influence our growth and customer satisfaction. This role offers a dynamic opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, including marketing, merchandising, inventory management, and technology, to drive the success of our eCommerce initiatives. Your success will be driven by strong analytical capabilities, a deep understanding of market trends, and the ability to build lasting relationships both internally and externally.

• Product Expertise & Customer Insight: Gain a deep understanding of our product offerings to effectively respond to customer needs to ensure a seamless shopping experience on RuralKing.com.
• Strategic Leadership: Take ownership of key revenue projects that directly impact the growth of the eCommerce business and help shape the strategic direction of RuralKing.com.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Regularly analyze sales trends, share actionable insights with leadership, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize product performance and assortment.
• Product Sourcing & Selection: Identify, source, and curate new products that resonate with our target audience while aligning with Rural King's brand and strategic goals.
• Dropship Strategy: Lead and refine the dropship assortment strategy to maximize inventory efficiency and profitability
• Market Research & Trend Analysis: Stay ahead of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to anticipate market shifts and recommend new business opportunities.
• Supplier Negotiation: Evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate favorable terms, contracts, and agreements that support Rural King’s long-term growth.
• Promotions & Campaigns: Propose and implement promotional opportunities to boost sales, increase customer engagement, and strengthen brand loyalty.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Foster strong, strategic relationships with vendors, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of business objectives.
• Financial Management: Oversee the departmental budget, ensuring that purchasing practices are cost-effective while achieving financial targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Engage in training programs, workshops, and professional development opportunities to refine skills and stay ahead of the curve in eCommerce best practices.
• Values-Driven Leadership: Exemplify Rural King’s core values—People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement—in all aspects of your role.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Take on additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities for Success:

• 4-6 years of experience in eCommerce or a related field, with a proven track record of success.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent software) and an aptitude for learning new tools and systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, vendors, and leadership.
• Resilient mindset with a solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and overcoming challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams, fostering alignment and achieving common goals.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills, with the ability to make data-driven recommendations.
• Comfort navigating complex computer systems to manage day-to-day activities and product data
• A proactive and motivated self-starter, capable of taking on increased responsibility and growing within the role.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds periodically.
• Comfortable navigating and accessing all areas of the facility.
• Proficient in communicating verbally, both in-person and via electronic devices.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $75,000 - $99,000 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.