Inventory Planning and Purchasing Buyer

In this fast-paced off-price environment, the Off-Price Buyer is expected to lead with agility and a sharp market instinct. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s) with the goal of meeting/ exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. Off-Price Buyers maintain a singular focus on the product, value, price, quality and the customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Ownership of the end-to-end process — from assortment planning to in-season reaction — and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure inventory flow aligns with business goals. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise as well as the open to buy process.
Essential Functions Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives while providing value, quality and on-brand merchandise for the outlet stores
Proactively identify emerging trends and leverage liquidity to test new ideas, driving sales and margin through strategic buys.
Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
Frequent vendor meetings and market trips to support reacting to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
Creates all necessary analysis based on trends, events and other store related needs
Works with Planner and Allocator during the planning process: in-season planning & revisions, assortment plans, store plans
Identifies opportunities to improve overall plan quality
Communicates effectively with all merchandising levels
Communicates effectively with stores and internal cross-functional partners
Builds and maintains strong relationships with vendor partners, while building a presence with new and existing vendors within the outlets and company
Reacts to feedback based on store and customer needs
Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
Manage all aspects of product placement, marketing and any pricing related tasks
Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed
Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
Build a high-quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
Leverages open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunities
Travels to all necessary markets and store trips
Ability to articulate and provide thought process behind solutions and strategic plans
Identifying emerging trends and shopping competition and market regularly
Lead, develop and manage Merchandise Assistant
Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule
Education Bachelor's Degree preferred
Work Experience 7-9 years retail experience required
1-3 years retail buying required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong negotiation skills
Exceptional at relationship building and maintaining strong relationships internally and in the vendor community
Collaborative approach
Quick decision making
Deep understanding of customer behavior
Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel)
Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
Clear retail math skills
Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits
Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
Is multi-task oriented to meet deadlines.
Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills
Pay Range $90,000 - $155,000
Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

#J-18808-Ljbffr Belk