ASSOCIATE BUYER - HOME DECOR

Assists the Buyer 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.

• 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 the 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 is scheduled for 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 plans for assigned departments. Oversees order placement and tracking to ensure timely receipt of merchandise.
• Works with buyers to prepare information tools, training materials, and training seminars for store associates.
• Works closely with the Planner/Distributor to plan sales, gross profit, and stock turn both annually and seasonally.
• Works closely with the Planner/Distributor to determine and execute automated methods of replenishment.
• May be assigned responsibility for the supervision and development of a subordinate staff consisting of Assistant Buyers, Merchandisers, and 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. Consult with the 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.

United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach

NEXCOMHQ

Buying

Full-Time (35 + hours)

Sep 22, 2023, 10:59:00 PM

A total of 5 years of experience, consisting of the following:

3 years of experience which was gained in professional, technical, or other responsible work which enabled the applicant to gain 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.

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.

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