Buyer

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Buyer is responsible for bottom line sales profitability, and inventory turns for a specific category. The Buyer analyzes business trends and historical data to develop a vision and strategy for their category. This role is accountable for buying a product category or brand, which includes identifying, developing, negotiating price and terms, and executing new products, concepts, shows, brands and ideas while maximizing opportunities. Develops and plans seasonally appropriate merchandise assortments, and identifies key item drivers. The Buyer leads and develops, Assistant Buyers and Merchandise Coordinators.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with management and planning, determines long and short term goals and establishes a business strategy for maximizing financial plans
• Implements, develops and translates trend right merchandise assortments that are consistent with merchandise themes and customer / market feedback.
• Develops collaborative vendor relationships and negotiates costing that fits within financial parameters. Maintains productive relationships with vendors to ensure optimal pricing and long term continuity of supply and service for assigned merchandise while searching for new resources to add fashion, quality and value.
• Implements and executes all product development needs to ensure product meets brand, quality, and fit standards as appropriate to each department
• Works in conjunction with Merchandise Planner to ensure the thought process behind the buy is thoroughly conveyed for clarity of distribution.
• Effectively interprets and uses all reports / information to drive the business.
• Develops strong internal partnerships and leads flow of communication within merchandising to ensure assortment is coordinated.
• Works closely with all support departments to ensure shipments are timely and product is positioned/signed correctly on the floor.
• Visits competition to compare and research product, pricing and merchandise presentation strategies. Maintains a high level of product awareness to keep current on new products, categories, new technologies and concepts in retailing.
• Coaches, develops and trains Assistant Buyers and Merchandise Coordinators to be highly productive team members as well assists in preparing them for career advancement.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Marketing or related area preferred
• A minimum of 2 years buying experience in a related category
• A variety of merchandise category experience a plus
• Product Development experience
• Experience in a Planning or Allocation role a plus
• Strong taste level and awareness of industry trends
• Demonstrated ability to build strong vendor relationships/partnerships
• Strong negotiating skills
• Ability to contribute and work efficiently in a highly team oriented environment
• Experience in training and leading a team
• Demonstrated experience managing and achieving difficult goals and motivating others to work towards a common goal
• Ability to work in a fast paced, multiple task environment, with a strong sense of urgency
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Adapts easily and positively to a changing infrastructure system and has the ability to change direction in accordance with various business needs
• Strong math and analytical skills
• High ethical standards
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to travel 25-50% and work to meet business needs

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