Buyer Traditional & Comfort Shoes, Hybrid

About the role

Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s) with the goal of meeting or exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. Buyers maintain a singular focus on the product and customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Buyers are responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise as well as the open to buy process. Buyers partner with Planners to develop strategies to maximize business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives
• 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
• Create all necessary analysis based on trends
• Work with Planner and Allocator during the planning process: in-season planning & revisions, assortment plans, store plans
• Identify opportunities to improve overall plan quality
• Communicate effectively with all merchandising levels
• Communicate effectively with stores and vendors
• React to feedback based on store and customer needs
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with vendors and cross-functionally at Belk
• Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
• Manage all aspects of product placement, marketing and pricing/markdowns
• Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed
• Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
• Partner with Advertising and DMM to develop promotional strategies and identify key items or classifications that drive profitable sales and communicate compelling messages to customers
• Build a high quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
• Leverage open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 7–9 years retail experience required
• 1–3 years retail buying experience required

Skills

• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel)
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
• Clear retail math skills
• Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits
• Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
• Multi-task oriented to meet deadlines
• Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills

Pay

Base pay range: $90,000 – $155,000. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

Job ID: #IND3