Buyer I - Kay

Signet Jewelers•Irving, TX

About The Position

The Buyer I (Associate Buyer) helps develop merchandise assortments and strategies that 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 developing merchandise and vendor strategies, analyzing category performance, coordinating promotions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. It may also include overseeing training and career development for direct reports.

Requirements

At least 2 years of prior buying experience.
Ability to travel nationally and internationally to attend trade shows and vendor appointments and view markets; occasional weekend travel may be needed.
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, attention to detail and accuracy, organizational, and 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 required by 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 and 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 the cost structure of products.
Develop, select, test, price, and acquire quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand and strategic department goals and policies.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of jewelry market trends and competitive strategies, and adjust to changing market trends and conditions as needed.
Develop new product concepts or brands for test markets, with potential for expanded store rollout.
Coordinate with marketing, visual display, and advertising departments to promote key items, programs, brands, and categories.
Merchandise catalogs and promotional items for designated product categories, and present and justify them 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 or marketing plans for designated 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; work with the Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels.
Manage negotiations relating to the return of discontinued products to appropriate suppliers.
Assist with annual business reviews for designated categories presented to the Vice Presidents of Merchandising and MP&I.
When applicable, work with Signet’s accounting department to ensure credits and aging are applied correctly.
Manage the vendor base strategically and identify and develop strong vendor partners.
Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors, including direct import agreements, and obtain anti-money laundering certification as needed.
Assist CMT with vendor performance issues, including late orders and quality control issues.
Proof advertising materials—including catalogs, emails, websites, customer mailings, and in-store signage—for accuracy.
Collaborate with the VM team on in-store presentations.
Work cross-functionally with Stores Operations, VM, Distribution Center, and Planning teams on store tests, rollouts, and returns to vendor (RTVs).
Oversee training and career development for direct reports.