Category Buyer, Korean Market

As a Category Buyer for the Korean Market at Weee!, your main responsibilities include executing merchandising strategies under the guidance of the Sr Category Manager, sourcing and curating a diverse assortment of Korean products, conducting market research to identify trends, and building strong vendor relationships. You’ll also collaborate with supply chain teams to monitor inventory levels and work with marketing to drive promotional campaigns.

To become a Category Buyer for the Korean Market at Weee!, you will require a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field, or have at least 4 years of relevant work experience. Fluency in both Korean and English is essential, along with a passion for food and a deep understanding of Korean culture. Experience in retail or market research is a plus.

The Category Buyer for the Korean Market plays a crucial role in contributing to Weee!’s growth by curating a compelling assortment of Korean products that meet customer demands, optimizing sales strategies, and identifying new market opportunities. Your insights and expertise help enhance profitability and ensure that customers have access to the best ethnic products.

The work environment for a Category Buyer at Weee! is vibrant and collaborative, located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation while focusing on driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction in the Korean product category.

As a Category Buyer at Weee!, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive health insurance package, a 401k with a company match, equity and bonuses, as well as vacation, sick, and holiday time off. Additionally, Weee! provides a monthly mobile stipend and credits to help you stay connected and motivated.

When sourcing products for the Korean Market, I focus on understanding customer preferences and emerging trends. I analyze market data to identify potential products that resonate with Korean consumers and build strong relationships with reputable vendors to ensure quality offerings.

In my previous role, I executed a successful merchandising strategy by conducting thorough market research and competitor analysis. This allowed me to curate a strategic assortment that not only increased sales but also improved customer engagement through targeted promotions tailored to specific customer segments.

I analyze market trends for the Korean category by utilizing sales data, customer feedback, and social media insights. I also keep an eye on industry reports and competitor activities, which inform my decisions on product development and assortment optimization.

To build strong vendor relationships, I prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and regular follow-ups. Establishing trust through consistent engagement helps foster long-term partnerships where both parties can thrive.

I manage inventory levels by closely monitoring sales patterns and collaborating with the supply chain team to forecast demand. Utilizing data analytics enables me to proactively adjust inventory levels and prevent out-of-stock situations effectively.

One challenge I faced was a sudden vendor delay affecting product availability. To resolve this, I immediately contacted alternative vendors, negotiated quick-turnaround options, and communicated transparently with my team to ensure we adapted our marketing plans accordingly.

Ensuring customer satisfaction involves a combination of attentive market research, gathering customer feedback, and continuously improving product assortments. I regularly review performance metrics to fine-tune our offerings based on customer needs.

Cultural understanding is critical in my role as a Category Buyer, particularly for the Korean Market. It allows me to identify authentic products that resonate with the community, ensuring that our offerings meet the cultural expectations and preferences of our customers.

When launching new products in the Korean category, I implement strategies that include testing the market with pilot promotions, leveraging social media for buzz creation, and aligning the launch with cultural events to maximize relevance and impact.

I collaborate with marketing teams by integrating insights from product performance data and consumer preferences into joint campaign strategies. Together, we create engaging promotions that highlight key product features and connect with our target audience effectively.