Associate Buyer, Hybrid

About the role

Associate Buyers are responsible for a select part of the Buyer's overall business and must drive the merchandise strategy and assortments for this part of the business with the goal of meeting or exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. An Associate Buyer, with support from the Buyer, is responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise for their business areas as well as the open to buy process. Associate Buyers partner with Planners to develop strategies to maximize business opportunities. Associate Buyers partner with the Assistant Planner to appropriately manage orders and analyze business trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives
• Collaborate with Buyer and Planner on development of merchandise financial plans and by-door plans by providing regular and timely input; assist in building clusters and determining assortment layers
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with vendors
• Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
• Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
• Analyze the business to identify trends and capitalize on opportunities
• Execute advertising strategies
• Build a high-quality merchant team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
• Travel to all necessary markets and store trips
• Build and maintain productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant team
• Analyze business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
• React to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
• Maintain professionalism in work relationships and habits
• Provide direction, counseling and coaching to staff
• Develop creative solutions to business issues
• Work effectively with staff and Divisional/BSS management to achieve sound financial and merchandising solutions based on analysis, input and experience
• Identify emerging trends and shop competition and market regularly
• Communicate effectively with stores and vendors

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent years of experience
• 1-3 years of retail buying experience required

Skills

• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized and able to multitask
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant team
• Demonstrates leadership and decision-making skills
• Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
• Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
• Reacts to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
• Adapts to shifting circumstances in a business environment
• Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills
• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, etc.)

Pay

Base pay range: $56,000 - $90,000. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

Schedule

Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule.