Senior Buyer

Overview

Defines merchandise strategies for assigned categories by creating excitement with brand name closeouts and bargains through a unique shopping experience. Identifies sources, then evaluates, negotiates, purchases and prices merchandise in accordance with the merchandise strategy to achieve sales, turn and margin objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Fosters relationships with vendors. Negotiates deals with vendors. In instances when purchases are not made, maintains positive vendor relationships for future opportunities.
• Defines the merchandise strategy, such as mix of close-out vs. non-closeout business.
• Jointly with the planner, develops a merchandise plan to support the strategy and achieve stated sales, turn and margin goals.
• Identifies opportunities to exploit sales and margin opportunities and partners with planner and merchandise analyst to develop execution tactics.
• Collaborates with Planning, Allocation, Distribution and Transportation Services, and Field Management to understand and improve upon internal company processes.
• Travels to stores to understand merchandise packaging and presentation requirements, customer requirements and customer trends. Shops competitor stores to assess direction of competition and understand competitive pricing structures.
• Travels to trade shows and vendor locations to develop a network of contacts, to stay informed on industry and competitor direction, and to source deals.
• Develops a collaborative team atmosphere through an open exchange of ideas and positive feedback between buyer, planner and allocation analyst team members.
• Trains and mentors Assistant Buyers and/or Buyers, as requested.
• Performs administrative tasks, as needed or requested.
• Accountabilities:
  Achieve annual Sales Dollar, Margin Dollar and Inventory Turn targets for assigned product areas.

• A minimum of five years of retail buying experience, preferred.
• Experience in buying complex merchandise categories and categories with large sales volumes.
• Excellent negotiation and marketing skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication and organization skills.
• Motivated and self-starter, willing to take on new challenges and learn every aspect of merchandising.
• Able to work as part of a team to achieve common goals.
• System capable in spreadsheet, word processing and data analysis tools.