Assistant Buyer, Apparel

The Kroger Co. • Portland, OR

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

Work directly with the buyer to execute day-to-day category management activities. Collaborate on assortment selection, promotional/advertising plans, and the overall vision to achieve sales, inventory and margin budgets. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in business or 2 years of retail store managerial experience or a combination of relevant education and experience
• Strong accuracy/attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks/projects
• Ability to function in a fast paced, retail/office environment
• Familiarity with retail industry technical terms and processes
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills
• Completed development plan for both assistant buyer and assistant planner

Nice To Haves

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Magic
• Retail store managerial experience

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the buyer in the execution of sales, inventory and margin plans
• Assist the buyer in executing the overall vision for the category (e.g., assortment, pricing, merchandising, advertising/promotion, receipt flow, and margin)
• Complete detailed analysis to determine assortment selection and changes for the enterprise
• Accumulate vendor product information and costs for assortment selection
• Oversee item setup processes and review/confirm details before submitting
• Assist the buyer and corporate pricing analyst with competitive price checks for the enterprise and maintain pricing strategy database
• Determine point of sale (POS) and temporary price reduction (TPR) pricing, clearance and markdown needs and partner with the buyer/planner to get them executed
• Manage the advertising and promotional process for the category using line lists, Ad Space Allocation (ASA), Event Sales Planning (ESP), display plans, etc.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain merchandise samples for review, e-commerce and advertising
• Evaluate and make vendor return decisions on salvaged merchandise
• Process Form 11 vendor allowances when approved
• Confirm trade point and contracts with the administrative support personnel (ASP) before they are created
• Manage purchase orders and receiving via the on order log, follow up with vendors and communicate any concerns to the entire team (e.g., buyer, planner, replenishment buyer, and assistant planner)
• Research and find solutions for any receiving problems by working with warehouses and/or logistics
• Assist buyer with additional special projects
• Travel for vendor visits and negotiations
• Oversee a sub-set of the buyer’s total categories
• Locate and select assortments for the enterprise and manage vendor relationships to maximize sales, margins and minimize costs for the assigned category
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Benefits

• A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
• Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
• Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
• Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
• Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
• Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree