Title: ASSOCIATE BUYER (Home Decor) Location: United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach Job Number: 220001HT Job Summary: Assists the Buyer(s) responsible for the development and execution of all merchandise stock assortments, and promotional plans for assigned departments. Has limited Open-to-buy authority. Works closely with Buyer and Planner/Distributor to plan and execute sales, gross profit and stock turn plans. Duties and Responsibilities: - Works under the supervision of a Buyer who retains overall responsibility for managing merchandise categories/lines assigned. The Associate Buyer performs the following duties within limits established by the Buyer. Work is reviewed at key points within the buying/planning process to ensure work meets established objectives. - Analyzes market trends and offerings to develop and execute merchandise stock assortments, business strategies and goals for assigned merchandise lines/departments. - Negotiates with vendors within established limits to obtain most favorable prices and allowances to achieve sales and profit objectives for basic and advertised merchandise. - Where required, works with vendors to ensure that all vendor's in store sales staff is trained, meets all NEX standards, and are scheduled all necessary and negotiated hours of staffing. - Responsible for the development, execution and maintenance of the Master Stock Assortments (MSA) . - Works with other codes to develop space allocation, adjacencies and planograms for store sets and renovations. - Develops and executes advertising plan for assigned departments. Oversees order placement and tracking to ensure timely receipt of merchandise. - Works with buyer to prepare information tools, training materials, and training seminars for store associates. - Works closely with Planner/Distributor to plan sales, gross profit and stock turn both annually and seasonally. - Works closely with Planner/Distributor to determine and execute automated methods of replenishment. - May be assigned responsibility the supervision and development of a subordinate staff consisting of Assistant Buyers, Merchandisers, Pricing Specialists, as appropriate. - Conducts store visits as appropriate to evaluate merchandise presentation, customer demographics, stock assortments and inventory levels. Works closely with store management to address and maximize business opportunities. - Attends trade shows and markets as appropriate. - Works with Planner/Distributor to determine optimal order size, inventory levels and allocations needed to achieve merchandising and financial goals. - Analyzes financial performance using tools such as, but not limited to, Data Warehouse and Category Scorecard to ensure established goals are being met and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary. - Prepares merchandise information manuals, monthly information bulletins and associate training seminars as appropriate. - Maintain collaborative partnerships with vendors, and internal and external colleagues. - Performs other related duties as assigned. - Works under the close supervision of a Buyer. Operates independently within the authority delegated by the Buyer. Performance is evaluated on operational performance, skill evaluations, customer service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, and established individual performance objectives. - Exercises independent judgment and approval in routine and non-routine situations. Consults with supervisor on such issues as policy matters, deviations from normal procedures or unusual circumstances. The incumbent of this position must file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE) Form 450, as required. Qualifications: A Total of 5 years of experience, consisting of the following: General Experience: 3 years experience which was gained in professional, technical or other responsible work which enabled the applicant to gain a knowledge of retail practices; demonstrated skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships; the ability to analyze problems and exercise mature judgment. OR Substitution of education for experience: 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience, up to a maximum of a 4 years bachelor's degree for 3 years of general experience. AND Specialized Experience: 2 years of progressively responsible substantive experience which provided background in: - Procurement practices, methods and procedures - Developing and maintaining open to buy - Selecting sources of supply - Planning stock assortments - Review of merchandise for pricing, markdowns and stock rotation - Planning and developing sales promotions Job: Buying
