Buyer Assistant Merchandising - Kay

Signet Jewelers•Akron, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Buyer supports the Buyer across all aspects of the role and may step in to assist with Merchandise Coordinator or Detail Assistant duties. The position contributes to product sourcing and development, pricing, assortment planning, order forecasting, competitive shopping, and weekly and departmental reporting. The Assistant Buyer works with the Buyer and cross-functional partners to maintain the merchandise category and support its sales, inventory, and gross-margin objectives.

Responsibilities

Develop knowledge of the jewelry category and merchandising practices relevant to the position.
Maintain the merchandise category in conjunction with the Buyer.
Identify sales trends and develop new product designs for testing and assortment opportunities.
Attend vendor meetings, participate in product selection and review, and manage meeting notes and follow-up.
Contribute to marketing vehicles, SKU selection, new merchandise programs, sales trends, and assortments to support sales growth and productivity.
Share accountability for category sales, inventory levels, and gross-margin goals established by management.
Conduct ongoing omni-channel competitive shopping and identify assortment opportunities and advantages.
Set up SKUs, descriptions, retail prices, and packaging attributes.
Assist the Buyer with assortment development, working with Planners and Inventory Analysts to establish program parameters such as product attributes, assortment size, targeted inventory and turn levels, and open-to-buy requirements.
Monitor and help develop sales forecasts for marketing items and new programs with the Inventory Analyst and Buyer.
Communicate with vendors and manage matters involving product qualities, costs, terms and ownership, delivery dates, and requests for merchandise returns.
Establish retail prices in line with margin requirements.
Update departmental category assortment sheets, reporting, and analysis.
Proof advertising materials, including catalogs, emails, website content, customer mailings, and in-store signage, for accuracy.
Merchandise items for marketing channels with innovative and competitive offerings.
Attend open-to-buy meetings and provide merchandise status updates as needed.
Complete and submit Project Request Forms and develop store communications.
Collaborate with the Visual Merchandising team on in-store presentations and planograms.
Adjust to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies.