Men's Buyer

www.fheg.follett.com

Job Title: Men's Buyer

Company Summary:
Follett Higher Education Group is a privately owned company that has operated with integrity and respect for over 130 years. We manage more than 700 college bookstores in the United States and Canada.

The Follett Higher Education Group is committed to its values - value for our customers and our employees. Follett provides many career opportunities throughout the United States and Canada, all with industry-leading compensation, excellent benefits, extensive training and career-enhancing packages.

We are dedicated to promoting from within, which means tremendous career opportunities and advancement. The reason Follett is a great place to work is as diverse as the people who work here. No matter what you are looking for in a career, you will find it at Follett.

We offer the strength and stability of an industry leader along with a distinguished history of retail bookstore management services to the educational community. We haven't, however, lost the intimacy of a family-owned company.

Job Responsibilities:
Follett Higher Education Group, a national specialty retailer based out of the Chicago area has an exciting buyer opportunity for a Men's Buyer overseeing Collegiate Athletic Apparel !!

Responsibilities include men's licensed apparel and headwear with a significantly large annual volume. Key duties would include vendor selection, assortment planning and pricing, development of advertising strategies, managing vendor and store relationships, and achieving sales and gross margin plans.

Major Responsibilities Include:
1. Ensure the financial success of the business by meeting or exceeding sales and margin plans. Build relationships with various business partners to achieve company goals
2. Maximize the assortment by incorporating company objectives with the approval and partnership of the DMM and Vice President of Planning
3. Assess the competition with respect to financial condition, trends, marketing and product strategy
4. Analyze historical data, past trends, product assortment and competition to create and communicate a merchandising strategy
5. Identify and ensure the implementation of in-season and unique opportunities that maximize sales and minimize risk
6. Responsible for key line review / product presentations, and negotiations as department leader

Follett provides a competitive, comprehensive and cost-effective benefits program that includes:
1. Three Medical Options (PPO, EPP, HMO)
2. Two Dental Options (PPO, DMO)
3. Vision Discount Program
4. Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependant Care
5. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (Dollar for dollar match up to 4%)
6. Follett Worklife Solutions - Offers free and confidential access to a wide array of guidance resources for you and your family.
7. Two Weeks Paid Vacation After One Year (One week in the 1st year after 6 months)
8. 100% Tuition Reimbursement for Manager Approved Career-Enhancing Courses
9. Store Discounts on Books and Merchandise
10. Eleven Paid Holidays (8 Observed Holidays, 3 Personal Days)

This position reports directly to the Director of National Apparel and Gifts and is responsible for supervising the work of others This dynamic Buyer is responsible for promoting the organization's mission, building and creating new business partnerships and channels, and increasing Follett Higher Educational Group's image in competitive markets

Job Requirements:
1. Bachelor's Degree or similar experience required
2. 5-10 years of progressive buying experience within a major specialty, department store environment
3. Possess a clear understanding of financial measurements and how to impact them
4. Strong presentation, listening, negotiation and verbal/written communication skills
5. Ability to articulate business plan with support to influence both peers and senior staff
6. Demonstrate the ability to assess and take smart risks and identify new product opportunities
7. Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop teams and direct reports
8. Maintain a cooperative team environment that promotes high standards, superior customer service and the attainment of goals
9. Accurately assess employee needs and development goals through successful on boarding and training plans
10. Possess the ability to display managerial skill and courage. Able to work cross functionally and build relationships with other departments
11. Must have a strong interest in collegiate sports

Follett Higher Education Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

RESPOND HERE! Respond immediately by accessing the following
dedicated online response form which will allow you to cut and paste your
resume. This form will go directly and immediately to the
hiring authority for this position. Access the online response form at:
http://64.89.40.26/servlet/resp/rf?jobid=1843024&boardid=749