Buyer III

Sr. Buyer

The Sr. Buyer likely manages large product categories or multiple product categories and potentially has Buyers directly reporting to them. The responsibility of the Sr. buyer is to develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity, while ensuring product value, quality, and styling. The buyer holds a leadership role within the category management team (CMT). Working within the CMT, the buyer is responsible for all aspects of assortment planning, selection, maintenance, and promotion, for designated product categories.

Category Management

• Set strategic vision for Category.
• Ability to adjust quickly, if needed, to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies.
• Adjust strategy as needed based on weekly business review.
• Participate in the development of financial plans and advertising/marketing plans for designated product categories.
• As a CMT leader, present business reviews for all designated product categories to Leadership.
• Strategic handling of vendor base with ability to find and develop strong vendor partners. Regularly connects with Key Vendor Partners to strategize business.
• Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team.
• Play key leadership role in broader team training and development.
• Personal Career Development/Training.

Product Development

• Develop, select, test, price and acquire quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand, and in keeping with strategic department goals and policies.
• Up-to-date knowledge of jewelry market trends and competitive strategies.
• Develop new product concepts/brands for test market(s), with potential for expanded store roll out.
• Drive Lifecycle Management process from idea inception through Clearance and end of life. Work with Inventory Analysts to ensure proper in-stock levels.

Assortment / Inventory Management

• Co-Manage and plan merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites.
• Manage negotiations relating to the return of discontinued product(s) to appropriate supplier.
• Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors.

Collaboration

• Coordinate efforts with the marketing, visual display and advertising departments to promote and market, key items, programs/brands and categories.
• Merchandise all marketing channel items for designated product categories. Present and justify all catalog/promotional items to merchandise directors and vice presidents.
• Partner with Sourcing on factory selection and cost negotiation.
• Partner with Financial Planning team on the open-to-buy for assigned product categories with CMT.
• Assist CMT with issues on vendor performance, including late orders and quality control issues.