Buyer II

Job Title

The responsibility of the 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

• Partner with Leader to set strategic vision for Category.
• Ability to adjust quickly, if needed, to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies.
• Analyze and React to Business on a weekly basis.
• Participate in the development of financial plans and advertising/marketing plans for designated product categories.
• Assist in all business reviews for all designated product categories to Leadership.
• Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team.

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.
• Manage Lifecycle Management process from idea inception through Clearance and end of life.
• Strategic handling of vendor base with ability to find and develop strong vendor partners.

Assortment / Inventory Management

• Understanding of Product cost structure.
• Co-Manage and plan merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites.
• Work with Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels.
• 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 open-to-buy for assigned product categories.
• When applicable; work directly with Signet's accounting department to ensure credits/aging are applied correctly.
• Assist CMT with issues on vendor performance, including late orders and quality control issues.
• Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage.
• Work with Visual Merchandising team on in-store presentations (planograms).
• Cross-functional work with Store Op, VM, DC team and Planning on various projects including test, expansions, recalls.