Buyer Assistant Merchandising-Zale

JOB SUMMARY :

The primary responsibility of the Assistant Buyer is to assist their Buyer on all aspects of the job or step in as needed to help with Merchandise Coordinator / Detail Assistant duties.

They are responsible for sourcing and developing product, pricing product, determining assortment groups, forecasting order quantities, and participating in competitive shops.

Weekly reporting and departmental reports.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Product Development

• Develop understanding / knowledge base of the Jewelry Category
• Work with the Buyer to learn the elements of merchandising as it applies to their position.
• Overall understanding and maintenance of their merchandise category, in conjunction with the Buyer
• Identify sales trends, develop new product designs for testing and assortment opportunities
• Attend vendor meetings and actively participate in selection and review of product. Be the point person for meeting notes and follow-up.
• Instrumental in determining various marketing vehicles, SKU selection, new merchandise programs, sales trends, and assortments which lead to sales growth and overall productivity in their area.
• Be jointly accountable for the success of their specific merchandise category with regards to sales, inventory levels & gross margin goals, which are established by Management.
• Participate in on-going Competitive Shopping from an omni-channel lens. Review our assortments as well as competitor to ascertain opportunities and advantages.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies.

Assortment / Inventory Management

• Setup sku’s, descriptions, retails and packaging attributes.
• Assist Buyer with Assortment Development - Work with Planners and Inventory Analysts to set program parameters (i.e. product attributes, assortment size, targeted inventory and turn levels, open-to-buy requirements)
• Monitor and help develop forecasted sales quantities for marketing items and new programs in conjunction with the Inventory Analyst and Buyer
• Communicate and manage with vendors re : product qualities, costs, terms / ownership, delivery dates, return of merchandise requests.
• Establish retail prices in line with margin requirements
• Responsible for updating departmental category assortment sheets, reporting, and analysis

Collaboration

• Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage.
• Merchandise items for all marketing channels, which are innovative and competitive within the marketplace.
• Attend open-to-buy meetings and provide merchandise status updates as needed
• Complete and submit Project Request Forms and develop store communications.
• Work in collaboration with Visual Merchandising team for in-store presentations (planograms).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field preferred

Required or Acceptable Job-Related Experience :

1+ year prior buying experience preferred

Technical / Other Skills Required :

• Ability to travel both nationally and internationally to attend trade shows, vendor appointments and to view markets. Occasional weekend travel as needed.
• Computer skills with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), negotiation skills, attention to detail and accuracy, organizational skills, & math skills (ability to work with numbers and analyze data).
• Ability to be metal free and work in a metal free environment when necessary, based on security policy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.

BENEFITS & PERKS :

• Competitive healthcare, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) matching after one year of employment
• Generous time off + company holidays
• Merchandise discount
• Learning & Development programs
• Much more
30+ days ago