Associate Buyer, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

8d•$56,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Associate Buyers manage a select part of a Buyer’s overall business, driving merchandise strategy and assortments to meet or exceed sales, margin, and turn targets. With support from the Buyer, the Associate Buyer is responsible for purchasing and negotiating merchandise for assigned business areas and managing the open-to-buy process. The role partners with Planners to develop strategies that maximize business opportunities and with the Assistant Planner to manage orders and analyze business trends. The position requires a designated hybrid in-office work schedule and travel to necessary markets and stores.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent years of experience.
1–3 years of retail buying experience required.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Highly organized and able to multitask.
Leadership and decision-making skills.
Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to analyze sales, inventory, and margin at the store, department, and class level.
Ability to react to business trends in a timely and efficient manner and adapt to shifting business circumstances.
Strong merchandising, product, and marketing skills.
Proficiency in business-related computer software, including Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans based on customer feedback and preferences to deliver financial goals and business objectives.
Collaborate with the Buyer and Planner on merchandise financial plans and by-door plans, providing regular and timely input; assist with building clusters and determining assortment layers.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with vendors.
Select merchandise and negotiate product costs and delivery.
Identify in-season business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to achieve plans.
Analyze the business to identify trends and capitalize on opportunities.
Execute advertising strategies.
Develop partnerships, lead, coach, and provide constructive feedback to help build a high-quality merchant team.
Travel to necessary markets and store trips.
Build and maintain productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant team.
Analyze sales, inventory, and margin opportunities at the store, department, and class level.
React to business trends in a timely and efficient manner.
Maintain professionalism in work relationships and habits.
Provide direction, counseling, and coaching to staff.
Develop creative solutions to business issues.
Work effectively with staff and Divisional/BSS management to achieve sound financial and merchandising solutions based on analysis, input, and experience.
Identify emerging trends and regularly shop competitors and the market.
Communicate effectively with stores and vendors.
Partner with the Assistant Planner to manage orders and analyze business trends.
Manage the open-to-buy process for assigned business areas.