Buyer, Kmart Soft Home - Bedding

Sears is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships. We are proud of our diverse, high-performance team work environment and we strive for continuous improvement through keen focus on growth, effectiveness and a sense of urgency. Individuals who are driven to earn our customers' trust and business every day, who act with integrity, who treat everyone fairly and value diversity, and who are accountable for their actions are welcome to show interest in becoming a member of our winning team.

The Buyer is responsible for meeting planned sales, margin and inventory turnover goals for their designated area. The objectives will be met through focused merchandise assortments productive marketing and sound merchandise management. The Buyer may have brand management, product development or open market responsibilities. Merchandise is purchased to maximize results while enhancing the overall department, group and company strategy. This position reports directly to the Division Merchandise Manager or General Merchandise Manager and has management responsibility for Associate Buyers and Buyers Assistants. This position works closely with the 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.

Qualifications
Responsibilities
Executes sales, margin and inventory plans
Monitors performance versus plan to identify trend opportunities
Manages all aspects of the merchandise offering - selection, negotiation, promotion and disposition
Develops customer driven assortments that support departmental goals and key item focus
Provides collaborative guidance, direction and support to the planning organization in the development of merchandise, key item and ladder plans
Ensures the merchandise selection matches customer needs, customer orientation and satisfaction
Ensures merchandise mix balances quantity, style, size and price consistent with company and individual market requirements
Develops line strategies
Prepares for and presents products at Assortment Reviews/Style Outs, Line and Business Reviews
Attends relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe market trends, gather product information, selects merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors
Visits stores to evalute merchandise mix, observes competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans
Manages integration with Product Development regarding design, sourcing and brand development
Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise
Develops and maintains relationships with vendors. Interacts with the vendor community within Sears' standards and codes of ethics
Manages vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives
Selects products to maximize return of advertising expenses. Partners with marketing team to reconcile marketing plans and promotional calendar. Monitors and maintains promotional performance
Partners with the planner to complete accurate forecasts by evaluating financial information, current trends and anticipated market changes that impact buy decisions and strategies
Coaches and develops Associate Buyers and Buyers Assistants to ensure growth and readiness for next level position
Drives compliance and standards with processes, policies, tools, and associates within the group
Ensures promotional execution accuracy (pricing, signage, etc.)

Skill/Experience Requirements
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
Strong merchandising, product and analytical skills
Demonstrated leadership and decision making skills
Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs
Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations
3-5 years in related buying experience or 5-7 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities
Strong working knowledge of Assortment Planning, Clustering, XP, SPRS, AdPlan, Frequency, MRE, Promotional Performance Reporting (AdEffect), SignRiter

Benefits
As a Sears professional, your career path options will be determined by your performance as well as your desire to advance further within the Sears organization. You'll also get some of the best benefits in the industry: -Medical, Dental and Legal Plans -Flexible Spending Accounts -Associate Discounts -Group Universal Life Insurance -Long-Term Disability Insurance -Long-Term Care Insurance -Business Travel Accident Insurance -Short-Term Disability -Vacation/Personal and National Holidays -WorkLife Solutions Please Note: Different eligibility rules apply to certain benefits. Some businesses do not offer all benefits shown.


Sears is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.