Associate Buyer

Associate Buyer Overall Job Summary: This position is responsible for supporting the buyer in all aspects of developing, communicating, and executing strategic business plans. Responsibilities Assist in the achievement of budgeted financial metrics, such as Sales, GM$, GM%, Turn, and Vendor Support/Rebate dollars. Work with the Buyer to manage, execute, and communicate the line review process. Support the Buyer with product analysis and item selections for events, promotions, power panels, endcaps, clip strips, and two-tier baskets. Maintain financials and day‑to‑day management of 3 to 6 categories or more. Communicate, execute, and monitor Sales Driving Initiative review details. Provide merchandise strategy details to Planner for building assortment plans for new planograms. Meet milestone dates and communicate on a timely basis with partners in Merchandise Analysis, Inventory Management, Logistics, Merchandise Administration, Merchandise Presentation, Sourcing/Product Development, Pricing, and Store Operations. Manage the advertising process: research previous ad sales, collaborate with Planner on forecasts, convey inventory support needs, enter items into the Promotions Workbench, proof all print advertising, and serve as primary contact for advertising and marketing departments. Develop and maintain positive, productive working relationships with members of Merchandise Planning, Inventory Management, Pricing, Marketing, Operations (stores), and Merchandise Presentation teams. Serve as primary contact for vendor and product‑specific issue resolution, negotiate costs, scanbacks, and buybacks with vendors. Coordinate New Item Test Program with the Buyer, select items to test, and negotiate buybacks and markdown dollars. Oversee all interactions with the Merchandise Administration Team, including new vendor setup, new SKU setup, VRM management, marketing, support funds, volume rebates, and markdown dollars. Own the Bluebook Product Catalog process and product‑related store guides. Conduct TSC store tours and off‑site training, coordinate transportation of goods to stores, and collaborate with HR, Store Operations, and the Vendor Community on Product Knowledge Training for team members. Qualifications 2–4 years of retail experience in store operations, merchandising, or inventory management. Knowledge ordinarily acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail, or related field. Analytical and technical skills, including Excel and Business Objects. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office products and ability to manipulate data to drive project completion. Occasional travel. Working Conditions Normal office working conditions. Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Driving a vehicle may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr