Sr. Buyer (Chicago)

About the Company - BRICK EXECUTIVE SEARCH has partnered with the fastest growing women's apparel, footwear, and accessories retailer in the country. Experiencing store for store comparable growth in the high double digits, opening new stores quarterly, expanding nationally - and becoming a wholesale sensation - this company is seeking the best and brightest merchants/product developers.

About the Role - Our client is seeking a A BUYER/MERCHANT/PRODUCT DEVELOPER

Responsibilities -

• Build and execute detailed annual plans (sales, margin, turn, and inventory composition) that support the company’s business strategy
• Seasonal planning of open-to-buy budget in accordance with company sales plan. Reconcile receipts to OTB plan
• Develop, plan, and execute strategy for assortment and allocation
• Coach and mentor Assistant Buyers to maximize sales, margins, and turns
• Leverage merchandising team's skills at recognizing new fashion trends, items, looks, etc., early in their life cycles; maximize these opportunities
• Understand and develop buying strategy for branded and private label
• Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve margins, optimize inventories, and decrease markdowns
• Compile and present financial analysis including category sell-through, margins, and key product performance; recap and analyze business results versus plan
• Develop intimate understanding of the customer. Leverage customer knowledge for product development, category, assortment, and allocation optimization
• Ensure financial goals and timelines are met
• Communicate necessary actions to maximize profit/reduce risk

Qualifications -

• Minimum 4-6 years of buying experience and product development
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, or something similar
• Proven track record of merchandising multi-category, large SKU product lines
• Proven ability to synthesize sales data, customer insights, competitive and market trends, and market data into merchandising strategies
• Existing relationships with current or potential market brands and/or private label resources
• Ability to recognize and understand the magnitude of an opportunity and respond quickly
• Strong technical aptitude, including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel, and the ability to quickly master new applications and systems
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue and improve profitability

Required Skills - The Ideal Candidate Has/Is:

• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Outstanding organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and diligent task follow-through
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Highly collaborative, responsive team player
• Ability to prioritize efficiently in response to changing needs and situations