Buyer I - Kay

Signet Jewelers•Irving, TX

About The Position

The Buyer I (Associate Buyer) helps develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity while ensuring product value, quality, and styling. Working closely with their manager, the Buyer I manages assortment planning, selection, maintenance, and promotion for designated product categories. The role involves evaluating market trends and product costs, developing and testing merchandise concepts, planning purchases and promotions, managing vendor relationships, and coordinating with internal teams to support category performance across stores and e-commerce.

Requirements

At least 2 years of prior buying experience.
Ability to travel nationally and internationally to attend trade shows, vendor appointments, and view markets; occasional weekend travel may be needed.
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Negotiation skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Organizational skills.
Math skills, including the ability to work with numbers and analyze data.
Ability to be metal-free and work in a metal-free environment when necessary under security policy.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to lead a team if applicable.
Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Give input as requested to set the strategic vision for the category.
Understand product cost structures.
Develop, select, test, price, and acquire quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand and strategic department goals and policies.
Stay current on jewelry market trends and competitive strategies, adjusting to changing market conditions as needed.
Develop new product concepts and brands for test markets, with potential for broader store rollout.
Coordinate with marketing, visual display, and advertising departments to promote key items, programs, brands, and categories.
Merchandise catalogs and promotional items for assigned categories and present and justify selections to merchandise directors and vice presidents.
Analyze and react to business performance weekly.
Help build buy plans for upcoming seasons.
Participate in developing financial and advertising/marketing plans for assigned product categories.
Participate in managing open-to-buy for assigned categories with CMT and update plans as needed.
Help plan and manage merchandising assortments for e-commerce websites.
Participate in lifecycle management from idea inception through clearance and end of life, working with the Inventory Analyst to maintain appropriate in-stock levels.
Manage negotiations with suppliers to return discontinued products.
Assist with annual business reviews for assigned categories presented to the Vice Presidents of Merchandising and MP&I.
Work with Signet’s accounting department, when applicable, to ensure credits and aging are applied correctly.
Manage the vendor base strategically and identify and develop strong vendor partners.
Negotiate annual purchasing agreements with vendors, including direct import agreements and anti-money-laundering certification as needed.
Assist CMT with vendor performance issues, including late orders and quality-control issues.
Proofread advertising materials for accuracy, including catalogs, emails, websites, customer mailings, and in-store signage.
Collaborate with the VM team on in-store presentations.
Work cross-functionally with Store Operations, VM, Distribution Center, and Planning teams on store tests, rollouts, and returns to vendor (RTVs).
Oversee training and career development for direct reports or team members.