Assistant Buyer - Level II

Utrecht Art Supply•Highland Park, IL

84d•$55,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The successful applicant will support their Category Manager in all aspects of the buying role, setting up new vendors and skus, maintaining sku level accuracy on our website and in print and supporting their Buyer in purchasing decisions and sales analysis. The Assistant Buyer - Level II will also be given limited buying responsibilities for an appropriate section of your overall categories. This will provide training and allow demonstration of your skills and potential based on actual results. The applicant should have at least 2-4 years' experience in the assistant buyer / merchandiser role. They should be extremely hard working and resourceful, organized and creative. Applicants should be ambitious and committed to Blick and our customer base, continuously striving to improve internal processes and our customer service. There is a certain amount of administrative work in this role so applicants should have experience with reporting and excel.

Requirements

Four year, on campus college degree
2 or more years like-industry experience
2 or more years like-industry experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Detail orientated and analytical
Proficient in Excel, particularly pivot tables, vlookups, and other formulas

Responsibilities

Source, review, select, and develop new products in conjunction with Category Manager/Buyer.
Buying responsibility for select product or product lines (conduct vendor meetings, review market trends, and make appropriate product decisions)
Responsible for negotiating resolution for quality control / defective merchandise
Responsible for addressing all internal (Blick) and external (customer / new vendor) product inquiries
Work with buyer in documenting vendor meetings and appropriate follow up
Work with buyer selecting product for print, web, and retail promotions
Approve copy and pricing for both print and web media
Responsible for processing all promotional information for print, retail ,and web channels
Responsible for product data management
Ensure vendor compliance for quality, packaging, labeling, and governmental standards (MSDS/SDS; CPSIA).
Manage samples; incoming requests from vendors and outgoing to art department and outlet store.
Continually monitor website for web page accuracy and product reviews
Assist Category Manager/Buyer with resolving pricing, quality, and service of supply issues.
Monitor back order status.
Facilitate communication to retail merchandisers and copywriters
Work with other internal departments as needed
Flexible to work on any departmental or company project as assigned by management.
Perform category management duties in CM absence
Able to travel domestically on a moderate basis