Merchandise Buyer

About the role

The Merchandise Buyer is responsible for providing strategic leadership, developing and executing concepts and buying plans utilizing internal and external resources to attain pre-determined goals in all key result areas. This position reports to the Senior Merchandise Buyer.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that profit targets are met and/or exceeded and that all appropriate budget and accounting tools, targets and timelines are utilized and met.
• Utilizes teamwork with Merchandise operational leadership to ensure that retail product mix and availability, display, pricing, and advertising are of such a quality that revenue and customer satisfaction results meet or exceed expectations.
• Develops concepts, plans strategies and budgets financials for assigned buying categories.
• Develops assortment plans and key vendors within theme guidelines.
• Provides maps and layouts of shop plan-o-grams.
• Identifies and rapidly acts on merchandise trends.
• Analyzes business and reacts quickly to rate of sale.
• Effectively and efficiently works with computer inventory management systems to input and manage purchase orders and analyze business.
• Maintains inventory turnover and gross margin return on investment (GMROI) to budgeted levels.
• Develops market plans and strategies and travels to various craft, gift, souvenir, clothing, and home décor markets to purchase merchandise and develop ideas.
• Creates a “sense of newness” in assigned shops on an ongoing basis.
• Sure proper handling of customer credit card information in compliance with Property Procedures and Purchasing Card Industry (PCI) standards.

Requirements

• College degree in related field of study preferred
• Theme Park, retail inventory-related, buying support experience, or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience troubleshooting and analyzing retail business-related data
• Experience with retail inventory software

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Merchandise POS and inventory systems
• Ability to work efficiently, handle multiple tasks, prioritize workflow, and meet deadlines
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work effectively with others in a friendly, professional manner
• Detail oriented and analytical