Job Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.

• 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