Associate Buyer, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Associate Buyers are responsible for a select part of the Buyer’s overall business and drive merchandise strategy and assortments for that business area to meet or exceed sales, margin, and turn targets. With support from the Buyer, the Associate Buyer purchases and negotiates merchandise and manages 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 Associate Buyer develops and executes merchandise strategies and assortment plans based on customer feedback and preferences, supports financial and by-door planning, selects merchandise, negotiates costs and delivery, and identifies business opportunities and risks through sales analysis and marketplace research. The role also contributes to advertising strategies, builds relationships with vendors and internal partners, coaches staff, and travels to necessary markets and stores. The position requires a designated hybrid in-office work schedule.

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 opportunities by store, department, and class.
Ability to react to business trends in a timely and efficient manner and adapt to shifting 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, provide regular and timely input, assist in building clusters, and determine assortment layers.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with vendors.
Select merchandise and negotiate the best costs and delivery of product.
Identify in-season business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information, and implement strategies to achieve plans.
Analyze the business to identify trends and capitalize on opportunities.
Execute advertising strategies.
Build a high-quality merchant team through partnerships, leadership, coaching, and constructive feedback.
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 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 the competition and market.
Communicate effectively with stores and vendors.