Entry Level Merchandise Buyer Jobs
New grad merchandise buyer jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a demonstrated eye for product and trend can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Manufacturing, Technology & Software, and Retail, with employers like ABB, KLA, and Jabil hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 67+ Entry Level Merchandise Buyer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Responsible for buying identified parts and materials required within the maintenance operations. Involved in the control of inventory by maintaining accurate records of purchasing, locating, retrieving, and the shipping of maintenance materials and parts to ensure the day-to-day operations run optimally. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED
- 2+ years of prior experience in maintenance operations
- Basic Math skills
- Basic knowledge of operations and production processes
- Ability to understand complex verbal/written instructions
- Strong oral/written communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Any previous food manufacturing experience
- Utilizing CMMS, responsible for sourcing, ordering, issuing, and coordinating shipping of maintenance parts/materials from vendors to the facility; keep accurate records of purchasing functions and assist in producing budget-related reports
- Maintain price list/price quotations, to include soliciting and analyzing quotations, resolving invoice discrepancies, and maintaining market pricing
- Advise management on market and business conditions
- Make price comparisons to ensure best values; responsible for developing a thorough knowledge of local and regional suppliers, their products, and their shipping procedures/costs
- Maintain an up to date and accurate vendor/supplier list in the CMMS
- Understand/support continuous improvement and familiarize with Kroger accounting systems/procedures including completing PPAS, write off report and work with vendors on various payment issues
- Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite/coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements
- Coordinate requirements with Our Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers
- Establish/maintain positive vendor relations, to include evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, reconciling complaints and adjustments, originating communications, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging/participating in meetings
- Conduct annual physical inventory of all central stock
- Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures
- Participate in and actively support all Safety and Reliability initiatives
- Balance delivery loads and times while staying within shift limits
- Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens
INTRODUCTION
Responsible for buying identified parts and materials required within the maintenance operations. Involved in the control of inventory by maintaining accurate records of purchasing, locating, retrieving, and the shipping of maintenance materials and parts to ensure the day-to-day operations run optimally. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED
- 2+ years of prior experience in maintenance operations
- Basic Math skills
- Basic knowledge of operations and production processes
- Ability to understand complex verbal/written instructions
- Strong oral/written communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Any previous food manufacturing experience
- Utilizing CMMS, responsible for sourcing, ordering, issuing, and coordinating shipping of maintenance parts/materials from vendors to the facility; keep accurate records of purchasing functions and assist in producing budget-related reports
- Maintain price list/price quotations, to include soliciting and analyzing quotations, resolving invoice discrepancies, and maintaining market pricing
- Advise management on market and business conditions
- Make price comparisons to ensure best values; responsible for developing a thorough knowledge of local and regional suppliers, their products, and their shipping procedures/costs
- Maintain an up to date and accurate vendor/supplier list in the CMMS
- Understand/support continuous improvement and familiarize with Kroger accounting systems/procedures including completing PPAS, write off report and work with vendors on various payment issues
- Negotiate short-term contracts, consolidate shipments, expedite/coordinate changes, and control commodity inventory beyond immediate production requirements
- Coordinate requirements with Our Brands Sourcing and Procurement Category Managers and General Sales Managers
- Establish/maintain positive vendor relations, to include evaluating performance, interviewing representatives, reconciling complaints and adjustments, originating communications, visiting vendor facilities, and arranging/participating in meetings
- Conduct annual physical inventory of all central stock
- Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and procedures
- Participate in and actively support all Safety and Reliability initiatives
- Balance delivery loads and times while staying within shift limits
- Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens
See All 67 Entry Level Merchandise Buyer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Merchandise Buyer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing10
- Technology & Software6
- Retail5
- Automotive5
- Electronics & Hardware5
Entry Level Merchandise Buyer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level merchandise buyer job?
Start by building experience through retail internships, buying office assistant roles, or relevant coursework in fashion merchandising, business, or supply chain. Employers at this level look for analytical thinking, familiarity with inventory or purchasing tools, and an ability to read consumer trends. A portfolio showing product selection decisions, trend research, or buying simulations can give you a clear edge over candidates relying on a resume alone.
Which companies hire entry level merchandise buyers?
Companies hiring entry level merchandise buyers right now include ABB, KLA, and Jabil, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, you'll find openings at department store chains, specialty retailers, e-commerce brands, and wholesale distributors that maintain dedicated buying teams and regularly bring on junior talent.
Are there remote entry level merchandise buyer jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles are on-site or hybrid. About 26% of entry level merchandise buyer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of product selection and vendor coordination at this stage. Fully remote positions do exist, particularly at e-commerce-first companies, but on-site exposure early in a buying career builds practical skills quickly.
Are these new grad merchandise buyer jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates with zero to two years of experience. A new grad posting typically accepts internship experience, relevant coursework, or a product portfolio in place of full-time work history. Look for language like 'entry level,' 'junior buyer,' or 'buying assistant' as signals that the employer is open to candidates early in their careers.
Which industries hire the most entry level merchandise buyers?
Entry Level merchandise buyer roles concentrate in Manufacturing, Technology & Software, and Retail, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they maintain large, structured buying teams with defined junior paths and steady product turnover that requires constant analysis and replenishment decisions.