Retail Buyer I

Strategic Buying and Procurement

• Own the Buying Process: Oversee the end-to-end buying cycle, including planning, sourcing, purchasing, and vendor management for assigned product categories.
• Open to Buy Management: Take full responsibility for utilizing OTB tools to set, monitor, and adjust budgets, ensuring purchasing aligns with financial goals and inventory turnover targets.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage sales data, market trends, historical performance, and customer insights to identify purchasing opportunities and refine product assortments.
• Product Assortment and Trends: Stay ahead of industry trends to curate a product mix that meets customer needs, drives sales, and strengthens the store's competitive position.
• Vendor Relations: Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing, payment terms, and delivery timelines. Regularly evaluate vendor performance and source new suppliers as needed.
• Purchase Order Management: Create, monitor, and track purchase orders to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery, proactively resolving any issues with vendors.

Inventory Control and Analysis

• Monitor stock levels regularly, analyzing performance against sales forecasts and OTB plans to minimize overstock or stockouts.
• Perform inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies, ensuring data accuracy within inventory management systems.
• Track key metrics such as sell-through rates, inventory turnover, and gross margin return on investment (GMROI) to inform future purchasing decisions.
• Develop strategies to manage seasonal inventory transitions and end-of-life products efficiently.

Key Holder Responsibilities

• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) during assigned shifts, overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth execution of sales and service goals.
• Manage opening and closing duties, including cash handling, securing the store, and completing daily operational reports.
• Provide team leadership, resolving escalated customer issues, and supporting associates during shifts to meet organizational standards.

Customer Service and Team Leadership

• Provide exceptional customer service for assigned product categories, offering expertise and resolving escalated inquiries.
• Support and train team members on inventory processes, merchandising strategies, and product knowledge to enhance performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Deep understanding of purchasing strategies, vendor negotiations, and retail trends.
• Proficiency in Open to Buy (OTB).
• Demonstrated ability to forecast, plan, and dynamically adjust budgets based on data.
• Strong skills in analyzing sales data, inventory metrics, and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective vendor partnerships and negotiate advantageous terms.