Buyer's Assistant, Toys

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

1d•$62,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer's Assistant is responsible for assisting the Buyer and Associate Buyer in problem solving, vendor relations, and in maintaining the flow of merchandise order documents.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university; or three or more years of related experience and/or training in Retail, Merchandising, or Planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three or more years of merchandising experience within a small- to medium-sized retail organization is required.
Strong understanding of the retail market, competitive landscape, and broader retail industry trends.
Strong analytical thinking and commitment to providing high-quality service.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse range of individuals across the organization.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly and navigate sensitive discussions with internal and external partners.
Proven ability to prioritize multiple requests, manage competing deadlines, and maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks independently while demonstrating strong attention to detail.
Highly organized with the ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and business needs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to create, manage, and interpret spreadsheets and data-driven reports.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Enters and retrieves information to and from Merchandise Inventory Systems that support Stores purchase orders and receiving documents.
Faxes, mails and files purchase orders and other documents as directed.
Maintains vendor files of catalogs, price lists, and supervisor’s correspondence.
Processes invoices through Microsoft D365 system for payment to vendors.
Works with the new vendors to complete required paperwork. Sets up new vendors with A/P and Microsoft D365.
Alerts Assistant Buyer and Buyer on past due orders, possible shifts, and cancellations to manage timing and flow of merchandise through the warehouse and to the stores.
Enters and processes transfers, price changes, and system adjustments.
Retrieves information for supervisor and others as requested.
Resolves problem shipments at the distribution center and involves the Assistant Buyer and Buyer as needed.
Works with Inventory Accounting, A/P and Merchandise Information System departments to exchange information, resolve problems, and expedite vendor payments.
Requests and processes the receipt and return of all vendors merchandise samples.
Processes exception receiving and prepares orders for transfers to the stores.
Tracks open purchase orders by contacting vendors. Reviews key recs and receiving documents as merchandise arrives at the distribution center.
Participates in Stores annual inventory.