Associate Buyer-REMOTE

General Summary:

The Associate Buyer 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.

Reports to: Buyer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for buying one or more categories and managing OTB
• Analyzes selling reports, recommends actions, and oversees those actions by managing follow-up
• Manages assigned business day to day activities including responding to current business trends and financial architecture pre-season and in-season
• Researches NPD data competitive intelligence, trend observations and style/color analysis to drive decision making
• Communicates with Sourcing team to track ship and delivery, identifies ship issues, makes recommendations to resolve and oversees those actions by managing follow-up with cross-functional team
• Works cross functionally to align on key item strategy, executes both preseason and in season strategy while staying close with Planning and Sourcing
• Presents product and brand assortment to leadership
• Collaborates with Marketing team on selection; collaborates with Buying Specialist 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
• Identifies key items and collaborates with Merchandise Planning on sales/receipts and unit flows; references historic data
• Maintain and build strong cross-functional relationships
• Proactively seek out opportunities to grow the business and further personal & professional development

Required Skills and Competencies:

Required Skills:

• 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

Competencies

SETTING GOALS – Creates and follow effective plans. Anticipates risks, creates contingency plans. Aligns plans with goals. Allocates adequate resources. Accepts and supports change. Willing to take risks and suggests new ideas, approaches. Takes initiative. Seeks out learning activities.

WORKING WITH OTHERS – Clearly articulates own, other’s goals. Promotes a team atmosphere by demonstrating humility and respect. Builds effective relationships, relates well to others. Delivers and responds to feedback in a constructive manner. Considers multiple perspectives. Handles conflict, pressure, uncertainty and adapts independently. Meets commitments. Dedicated to working with business partners on their expectations.

GETTING RESULTS – Personally accountable for work performance targets and achieving results. Prioritizes well. Anticipates and handles obstacles effectively. Makes good, timely decisions. Can simply and process complex problems. Understands underlying issues and addresses root causes. Meets deadlines, works until finished.

Experience: Indicate the minimum level of work experience that an incumbent is required to have to successfully perform the job after a normal learning curve. Preferred Qualifications: Indicate any preferred education, work experience, skill, knowledge or ability that would be beneficial to the position but is not required. Leave blank if none. Education: Indicate the minimum amount of education required to perform the job.

Minimum 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

Minimum Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Retail Merchandising, Marketing or Business related field