Associate Merchandise Buyer 2

Living Spaces•La Mirada, CA

About The Position

The Associate Merchandise Buyer 2 is the more advanced Associate position that works with the Merchandise Buyer in identifying, developing, and executing business strategies and assortment plans, product development and selection, vendor negotiation, and marketing of more complex, higher volume categories. Works closely with the merchandise planning, marketing, visual and retail teams to drive sales, gross margin and inventory turn growth. Will be responsible for developing a competitive merchandise assortment plan that is customer focused and adjusts to sales plans based on competition, business needs, and industry trends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B. S.) or equivalent from four-year college.
6+ years of experience in merchandising.
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have experience in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of product development and assortment planning, product placement, marketing, pricing, signing, and markdowns to achieve sales, margin, inventory plan & GMROI targets for assigned departments
Build strong product assortments with suppliers and negotiate pricing for assigned categories
Present to senior management the business strategies, marketing plans and merchandise assortments to achieve financial plans
Evaluate suppliers on new and existing products, including but not limited to quality, pricing, shipping time, customer demand and return on investment
Partners with the Planning team to complete accurate forecasts, evaluating sales, markdowns and receipts
Determine item lifecycles and exit strategies
Partners with SEO/SEM/email team to drive digital web traffic
Identify items to maximize promotional and marketing strategies
Analyzes sales trend, key items, vendor profitability, and aged inventory and make recommendations for driving improved performance
Participate in the development of the annual strategic financial plans
Provides correct information and inputs for point-of-sale signage and maintains the integrity of the quality of signage for ease of store execution level
Recommend and collaborate with Visual to plan floor layouts
Attend market weeks, store trips, trade shows and conferences
Leverage feedback from customers, stores and suppliers to improve product and add to collections.
Ensure guest is at the center of our decision making
Energize cross-functional partners through consistent communication on merchandising and pricing plans, inventory flow and exit strategies with Purchasing, Visual, Store Operations, Marketing, E-Commerce and other stake holders impacted by changes in assortment
Maintains knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends as it relates to their assigned business area
Investigate and respond to field issues
Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations and provide appropriate product information for retail team
Train and develop Assistant Buyers and Merchandise Coordinators
Lead buying partner with 2-5 key cross-category suppliers
Able to travel up to 20%

Benefits

Overtime pay is available for eligible, non-exempt Team Members.
Reimbursement for expenses as required by applicable law and Company policy.
Retail, Guest Services and Distribution Center Team Members are eligible to receive team bonus based on meeting specific goals and KPI's.
Medical (full-time only)
Dental (full-time only)
Vision (full-time only)
401(k) with Company match (full and part-time)
Vacation (full-time only or as otherwise required by applicable law)
Paid Sick Leave (full and part-time)
Flex or Health Spending Account (for eligible full-time only)
Employee Assistance Program (full and part-time)
Holiday pay (full-time only)
Life insurance (full-time only)