Sr. Buyer

Sr. Buyer

The Sr. Buyer is a strategic leader responsible for driving performance across major product categories. This role owns the end-to-end buying strategy, leads vendor negotiations, and collaborates cross-functionally to deliver compelling assortments that meet financial and customer goals. The Sr. Buyer plays a key role in mentoring team members and shaping the merchandise vision through data-driven insights and market awareness. They are responsible for ownership of their own category, in addition to leading a team to support a broader category ownership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy
  • Develop and own the overall category strategy for your assigned pod.
  • Conduct in-depth performance analysis and competitive shopping to inform strategic decisions.
  • Refine and execute the brand strategy to maximize market impact.
  • Lead the development of the vendor strategy, identifying key partners and negotiating favorable terms.
• Assortment/Product Strategy
  • Create a winning assortment strategy that aligns with market trends and company goals.
  • Drive the Good/Better/Best strategy to optimize product offerings across all price points.
  • Oversee the space & merch presentation to ensure products are showcased effectively.
  • Partner with sourcing team to ensure IMU goals are communicated and met.
• Price Management
  • Ensure categorical promotional plan optimizes sales and margin in partnership with pricing team
  • Oversee and track cost changes and retail changes
  • Partner with pricing team to ensure retails are competitive in the market
• Financial Plans
  • Collaborate with planning team to build and manage financial plans
  • Take ownership of financial plans for your category, ensuring all strategies align with budget and revenue goals.
  • Monitor and communicate results against financial plans based on performance and market trends.
  • Partner with Inventory Management to optimize inventory.
• Team Management
  • Oversee team of managers and independent contributors, contributing to their growth and development
  • Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver on business results

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of merchandising experience, exhibiting progressively responsible assignments in retail buying, with a focus on strategic buying, vendor management, and inventory optimization
• Deep understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional results in driving sales, profitability, and inventory management
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic decisions
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve goals and targets
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).