BUYER -OUTDOOR/TOYS/DECOR/SEASONAL NF4

Job Title

Oversees vendor relationships, for product selection, purchases, marketing, sell-through and markup for assigned merchandise categories as designated for Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) stores Marine Corps wide, as directed by the Merchandise Manager. Delivers best in class assortments for areas of responsibility, assorting store clusters appropriately by demographic. Responsible for establishing selling prices, and negotiating terms, delivery dates, promotion(s) and discounts for designated categories.

Manages inventory levels for assigned lines of business through open-to-buy. Ensures brand matrix, assortment plans, and plan-o-grams are developed using appropriate analytics to support business decisions. Completes price comparison to evaluate MCX pricing and marketing strategies as compared to outside retailers and collaborative efforts with Military Exchange Service entities. Ensures that pricing strategies align with financial goals, as well as reflect the appropriate value message for MCX patrons. Responsible to coordinate with planning team on monthly open-to-buy forecasts for departments of responsibility to ensure inventory is on plan as related to plan sales.

Responsible for product selection, managing the allocation process to ensure balanced unit inventories exist at store level to achieve maximum sales, turnover, and gross margin levels. Reviews the market and merchandise offering to examine and evaluate product to be purchased for MCX. Establishes assortment plans by store. Negotiates support from vendors for cooperative advertising, freight concessions, displays, training, vendor provided in-store support, and any other allowances as directed and are standard in the marketplace.

Ensures MCX is provided with complete merchandising information, product specs and training materials pertinent to assigned departments and communicated to store operations and store associates.

Responsible for monthly projection of markdowns, funding claims, ensures timely and accurate execution of price changes through systems and delivered to the stores.

Provide direction on Days of Supply requirements. Partner with planning team on replenishment forecasting and connection to POG as it pertains to inventory levels.

Responsible to create compelling marketing, determine products to be advertised, page allocation and digital platforms as defined by senior management. Insures all information and pricing is accurate.

Serves as a retail merchandise expert responsible for keeping abreast of current industry/market trends and applies them appropriately to the overall merchandise strategy. Ensures merchandise programs are developed to satisfy customer demand and are responsive to local needs.

Works under the general supervision of the Merchandise Manager, receiving assignments for the area of responsibility.

Responsible for supervision of Assistant Buyer (NF-3) and/or Senior/Retail Merchandising Assistant (NF-2)/or Pricing Specialist to include: assigning and distributing work, coaching, counseling, training, and mentoring employees; reviewing and approving leave, recommending and completing personnel actions, performance evaluations and Learning Development Plans and keeping abreast of and actively supporting the principles of the EEO program, and prevention of sexual harassment. Must be alert to alcohol abuse and take appropriate action.

Maintains and enforces security of funds, merchandise, supplies, and equipment to preclude or minimize the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse.

Additional duties and responsibilities may be required or assigned as necessary.

This is a white-collar position where occasional lifting up to 20 lbs may be required.

Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner. Takes action to solve problems quickly. Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor. Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.