Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer

 Summary: 

This role is responsible for the supporting senior buyer or buyer and the category that they manage as well as completing specific functional assistant buyer tasks.  This includes support of assortment changes, promotional plans, pricing updates and inventory management.  The Assistant Buyer's responsibilities include vendor communications, updating pricing, placing and tracking purchase orders, manage min/max and distribution of goods in support of the category and store communications on products, inventory and merchandising.    

 Duties and Responsibilities: 

·                  Writing, placing, and tracking purchase orders. 

·                  Communication with vendors and building positive, long-term relationships. 

·                  Support promotional plans including pricing, inventory, ad turn-in

·                  Updating pricing, managing vendor promotions and price protections

·                  Planning, monitoring, and maintaining suitable inventory levels.  Distribution of products to stores and execution of transfers.

·                  Submission and tracking of debit memos

·                  Assessing product sales performance

·                  Communication with stores on merchandising, product and inventory

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications:  

·                  Bachelor's degree preferred

·                  2-3 years of retail or merchant experience 

 Required Skills and Competencies: 

·                  Ability to read English (or another language as may be required) sufficiently to read written materials. 

·                  Basic English language writing skills. 

·                  Basic math and financial skills.

·                  Understanding of category management and assortment planning practices include SKU rationalization strategies, markdown practices and sales reporting practices 

·                  Experience gathering and understanding product trends 

·                  Strong communication skills 

·                  Attention to detail while understanding big-picture objectives and strategy 

·                  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; prioritize multiple projects simultaneously; adapt to changes in project scope 

·                  Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and related reporting tools. Macro and pivot table experience desired.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by team members assigned to this classification.  The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by team members assigned to this classification.