Job: Retail Buyer

Summary of position:

As the Buyer you will be responsible to identify, select and manage the assortment to contribute and support the merchandising strategies and company financial goals. Your"Analytical First" mentality and approach to the position will be prominent throughout the culture of your area. This position will work closely with the Store Managers and communicate regularly regarding trend reporting, tracking performance metrics and dashboards. In addition, you will be responsible for building strong relationships with management, manage expense control and adhere to all company policies and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsible for developing product assortments using market trend analysis information as well as managing sales and margins.

It is a multi-faceted position that includes:

Contract negotiations,

Inventory management, and turnover

Sales planning,

Forecasting

And close coordination with the merchandising and operations teams.

Understands and communicates products sales performance through metrics

Creation of visual merchandising, planograms & space planning for every store

Excellence in Customer Service— Exceed external and internal customers’ goals and expectations.

Formulates pricing policies on merchandise according to requirements for profitability of store operations.

Coordinates sales promotion activities and prepares merchandise displays and advertising.

Orders merchandise or prepares requisitions to replenish merchandise on hand.

Sourcing new products and new vendors.

Maximize profits and provide a commercially viable range of merchandise at competitive prices.

Meet suppliers and negotiate terms of contract as well as maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future products.

Attend trade fairs to select and assemble a new collection of products.

Liaise with store personnel to ensure product/collection supply meets demand and participate in the Retail Division’s promotional activities.

Heavy vendor contact and follow through on deliveries with vendors.

Product development for exclusive merchandise.

Skills and Requirements:

Experience with inventory management, resources planning and forecasting.

Prior Retail Experience

Two to four years retail buying experience

Strong merchandising skills

Excellent negotiation skills – vendor negotiation skills a plus

Develop strong rapport with Customer Service Representatives and store management through consistent and professional communication

Ability to work a flexible extended schedule during peak and holiday seasons, based on location and customer needs.

Ability to manage complete retail buying operations for multiple store locations from a variety of vendors.

Ability to travel up to 20%.

Ability to buy appropriate products and quantities according to space plan and fixture layout.

Ability to contribute knowledge for retail marketing including working with internal staff, consumer trends, market research, and product development.

Ability to develop and adhere to an operating budget.

Computer skills including Word, Excel, Internet and POS systems.

Education:

Associates or Bachelors Degree Preferred ; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience