Job Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

Management of Assigned Categories (80%)

• Executes and achieves assigned category sales, gross margin and inventory goals.
• Develops merchandise assortments and strategies that support company and departmental goals while ensuring customer needs, orientation and satisfaction are met.
• Manages all aspects of the merchandise offering – selection, mix, brand, pricing, promotion, negotiation, and disposition.
• Conducts competitive and product category analyses to identify new licenses, brands and proprietary opportunities to increase and expand selection across categories.
• Delivers accurate sales forecasts and projections by evaluating financial information, utilizing open to buy and current trends. Anticipates market changes and establishes a buying plan to attain sales and margin goals.
• Prepares for and presents products and merchandise analysis at assortment and business review meetings. 
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors to ensure merchandise availability including exclusives and timely delivery of merchandise.
• Manages vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives including cooperative marketing, incentive and partnership plans.
• Plans promotional events and execution while ensuring accuracy on details such as pricing and marketing signage.
• Coaches and develops Associate Buyer(s) and Assistant Buyer(s) to ensure growth and readiness for next level position.
• Drives compliance and standards for company processes, policies, and tools within their area and with direct report(s).
• Visits stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observe competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans.
• Travels to attends relevant trade shows, vendor meetings, and markets to observe trends, gather product information, select merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors.

Division and Cross Functional Projects (20%)

• Collaborates with Merchandising Purchasing group, Marketing/Graphic Design team, and Vendor on proprietary product sourcing, development and presentation.
• Provides collaborative guidance, direction and support to the Merchandise Planning group on merchandise flow, key items and store groupings.
• Works cross-functionally with the Merchandising Operations Group to deliver merchandising strategy and directives in stores.
• Guides Omnichannel on key themes and initiatives in assigned categories to maximize online    sales.  
• Additional projects as assigned by the Senior Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager or VP of Merchandising.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-6 years of related buying experience with demonstrated progression in buying volume and financial responsibility or 5–7 years with a mix of buying and planning responsibilities

Qualifications

• Displays strong financial, strategic, planning, merchandising, negotiation and relationship building skills.
• Demonstrates forward thinking including ability to identify and initiate new businesses through analysis, proactive goal setting and execution.  Makes decisions in a timely manner.
• Drives self and others to consistently deliver results by maintaining high levels of productivity working with vigor, effectiveness and determination. Achievement oriented.  
• Demonstrates leadership and coaching skills, ability to lead and build team and train direct reports.
• Displays high degree of retail math proficiency and application of financial concepts to daily operations to drive sales.
• Exhibits strong sense of style and ability to spot future trends.
• Adaptable problem solver who stays positive in the face of challenges, displays calm under pressure and recovers quickly from setbacks. Acts as a settling influence when interacting with direct reports, co-workers and stores. Overcomes less complex issues, escalates and partners on others.  
• Comfortable taking calculated risks and working through change.
• Strong working knowledge of merchant processes and systems.
• Proficient in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs

Special Requirements:

• Up to 50% travel may be required, depending on area assigned