Buyer Traditional & Comfort Shoes, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department, with the goal of meeting or exceeding sales, margin, and turn targets. The Buyer maintains a focus on product and customers by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. The role includes purchasing and negotiating merchandise, managing the open-to-buy process, and partnering with Planners to maximize business opportunities. This position may be based in either the New York City, NY or Charlotte, NC office and is described as hybrid. The base pay range is $90,000–$155,000; actual pay may vary based on factors including achievements, skills, experience, and work location.

Requirements

7–9 years of retail experience required.
1–3 years of retail buying experience required.
Proficiency with business-related computer software, including Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.
Excellent analytical and reasoning skills.
Clear retail math skills.
Professional work relationships and habits.
Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong merchandising, product, and marketing skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans based on customer feedback and preferences to achieve financial goals and business objectives.
Analyze business performance at the store, department, and class levels to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin.
React to business trends in a timely and efficient manner and create analyses based on trends.
Work with the Planner and Allocator during planning, including in-season planning and revisions, assortment plans, and store plans.
Identify opportunities to improve overall plan quality.
Communicate effectively with merchandising teams at all levels, stores, and vendors; respond to feedback based on store and customer needs.
Build and maintain strong vendor and cross-functional partnerships at Belk.
Select merchandise and negotiate product costs and delivery.
Manage product placement, marketing, and pricing and markdowns.
Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed.
Identify in-season business opportunities and risks by analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to achieve plans.
Partner with Advertising and the DMM to develop promotional strategies, identify key items or classifications that drive profitable sales, and communicate compelling messages to customers.
Build a high-quality merchandising team through partnerships, leadership, coaching, and constructive feedback.
Use the open-to-buy process to manage the business in-season and maximize opportunities.