Buyer

  BUYER   OBJECTIVE OF POSITION  

The Buyer takes ownership of a category and is accountable for the overall business and manages the processes to achieve sales, margin and inventory turnover.  The Buyer is responsible for the execution of the processes and functions of their designated merchandise category.  They are also responsible for the assortment planning, product selection, vendor negotiation, and marketing of specific lines.  This position reports directly to the General Merchandise Manager and closely with the buying management team, merchandise planning team, promotional planning team, merchandise placement team and the merchandising support team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.

 

 

ACCOUNTABILITES

●  Executes sales, margin an inventory plans for their assigned area.

●  Monitors and responds to issues and opportunities resulting from deviations in plan variances.

●  Maintains relationships with vendors and interacts with the vendor community within Kirkland?s standards of codes and ethics.

●  Supports the development of customer driven assortment plans for their assigned category.

●  Executes defined lines.

●  Identifies and shops competition and makes product recommendations.

●  Maintains knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends as it relates to their assigned categories.

●  Partners with the Planner to complete accurate forecasts, evaluating sales, markdowns and receipts.

●  Obtains samples and provides direction during advertising turns-ins and proofing.

●  Provides correct information and inputs for point of sale signage and maintains integrity of quality of signage for ease of store execution level.

●  Creates and inputs advertising plan.

●  Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise.

●  Monitors and maintains promotional performance.

●  Manages and controls the markdown process and communicates variances.

●  Analyzes sales trend, key items, vendor profitability and aged inventory and makes recommendations for driving improved performance.

●  Responsible for product development and negotiation to include cost, subsidy and terms.

 

 

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

●  Bachelor?s Degree from a four year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

●  3- 5 years experience with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities.

●  Merchandising, product and analytical skills. 

●  Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs

●  Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations.

●  Ability to maintain and build strong working relationships. 

●  Demonstrates strong communication skills, both written and verbal.