Buyer, Women's Apparel

Buyer - Apparel

The Cato Corporation is seeking individuals who are interested in a career in Merchandising to join our team as a Buyer.

J OB SUMMARY : The Buyer support the brand objectives and deliver sales and profit targets as determined. They work effectively with all cross-functional partners (i.

e., Design, Planning & Allocation, Product Development, Marketing & Visual, etc.) to deliver departmental plans. They manage and gather customer and competitive information that drives the strategic view of the line.

They have an eye for fashion trends and are able to translate that into business results.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE :

• Develop seasonal strategies that align to company financial goals, drive top line sales and margin.
• Drive assortment strategy to achieve financial goals include style counts by month
• Work cross functionally with your design partner to ensure that you have the on trend merchandise that drives sales.
• Assume ownership once decisions are made to drive business
• Communicate changes in strategy to the appropriate cross functional team members on a timely basis
• Work with design and merchandise partners to create key looks and outfits
• Adhere to Product Development Calendar
• Responsible to assort the line which includes quantification of key ideas and looks
• Identify business opportunities and risks in season through analysis of current sales with timely direction in order to react.
• Drive online sales and assortment, identify key items to be exclusive to ecommerce while ensuring that we are driving outfit selling.
• Monthly best seller meetings communicate effectively what is driving your business
• Competitive and aspirational shopping with design
• Customer champion visit stores monthly, getting to know the customer, what she wants and what could have been done differently.
• Hindsight quarterly what worked, what didn’t work and what should be done differently
• Train and mentor direct reports; motivates and encourages success

REQUIREMENTS :

• Must be accurate, proactive, display a sense of urgency, and be able to anticipate next
• Ability to manage through conflict and problem-solve
• Exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Systems and computer savvy, including Microsoft Office Applications
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience, Fashion Merchandising preferred

The Cato Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.