Supports and contributes to the creation and implementation of the merchandise strategy for assigned department. This position also takes responsibility for a sub class or group of sub-classes with Buyer's oversight. The role partners with Planning and Marketing teams to drive sales; synthesizes information, reaches conclusions and develops a course of action. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Analyzes selling reports and recommends actions • Analyzes assigned business, details actions and responds to current business trends • Manages assigned business day to day activities including responding to current business trends and financial architecture pre-season and in-season • Manages manual Open To Buy (OTB) changes • Works in M.A.P. system managing appropriate product attributes • Localizes assortment by store DST group, using appropriate historical sales, strategy, vendor and/or trend information. Works with merchandise planner on key item sizing and integrity. • Researches NPD data competitive intelligence, trend observations and style/color analysis to drive decision making • Communicates with Purchase Order Management (POM) to track ship and delivery, identifies ship issues and makes recommendations to resolve • Works cross functionally with Store Planning and Allocation teams to align on distribution strategy, executes both preseason and in season strategy, and ensures key item deliveries are appropriate and timely • Develops strategy and presents product and brand assortment to leadership • Prepares for and attends vendor appointments, presents strategy to get the best assortment selections • Negotiates with the vendor for lower costs and inline/SMU assortments; determines pricing to remain competitive and satisfy customer expectations; processes in MAP accordingly • Collaborates with Marketing team on selection; collaborates with Assistant Buyer or Merch Clerk on sample ordering • Participates in and documents information in monthly and/or quarterly product hind sights • Works with Senior Buyer or Buyer to strategize the annual and seasonal financial plans; collaborates with Merchandise Planning on product or category direction based on market direction or sales trend • Identified key items and collaborates with merchandise planner on sales/receipts and unit flows; references any historical CCs
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES • Strong attention to detail and highly organized • Excellent communication, both written and verbal, and follow up skills • Strong analytical skills • Team player • Developing negotiation skills
EXPERIENCE
• Previous retail experience a plus
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel and Word skills • Ability to learn Microstrategy and other merchant computer based systems
EDUCATION • Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing or Business related field
