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.

Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectivesCollaborate 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 layersBuild and maintain strong partnerships with vendorsSelect merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of productIdentify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achievedAnalyze the business to identify trends and capitalize on opportunitiesExecute advertising strategiesBuild a high quality merchant team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedbackTravels to all necessary markets and store tripsBuilds and maintains productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant teamAnalyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and classReacts to business trends in a timely and efficient mannerMaintains professionalism in work relationships and habitsProvides direction, counseling and coaching to staffDevelops creative solutions to business issuesWorks effectively with staff and Divisional/BSS management to achieve sound financial and merchandising solutions based on analysis, input and experienceIdentifies emerging trends and shops competition and market regularlyCommunicates effectively with stores and vendors

Education
Bachelor's Degree Preferred    
 
Work Experience
1-3 years of retail experience required    

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates strong analytical and problem solving skillsIs highly organized and able to multitaskBuilds and maintains productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant teamDemonstrates leadership and decision-making skillsDemonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skillsAnalyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and classReacts to business trends in a timely and efficient mannerAdapts to shifting circumstances in a business environmentPossesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skillsProficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, etc.)

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