Buyer

World Market•Alameda, CA

38d•$110,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

World Market is seeking a Buyer to develop unique product assortments for their omni-channel business through analysis, trend research, and international sourcing. The Buyer will identify opportunities and recommend and develop new products and concepts for the department, demonstrating a keen eye, good taste, and sound judgment. This role is responsible for multiple categories and has financial accountability for all key metrics. The Buyer will become part of a dynamic Merchandising team and build relationships with external and internal partners, using collaboration and creativity to bring exciting product to life. The Buyer is responsible for managing an Assistant Buyer and/or Associate Buyer and will guide their professional development through training, coaching, and feedback.

Requirements

Minimum 5-7 years buying experience with a multi-unit retailer including domestic or foreign travel.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Strong PC skills including Microsoft Office Applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word.
Proven ability to develop subordinates.
Excellent planning and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent analytical skills; trend forecasting and item management.
Ability to identify, develop and manage existing business and spot future trends.
Resourcefulness: Critical thinking capabilities, creative problem solving, and taking appropriate risks.
Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
A keen eye for style and trends.
A high level of business acumen, agility, and curiosity.
Passion for the business.

Nice To Haves

An enthusiasm for travel and exploring.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies.
Strategically create assortments that meet financial metrics.
Develop core and seasonal products which excite customers.
Build assortment plans through competitive shopping, working with vendors, and understanding trends.
Demonstrate a strong awareness of competition and the market.
Speak confidently about product vision and category performance to internal and external partners.
Travel to vendor factories and attend trade shows domestically and internationally (as appropriate for the business).
Manage Open to Buy (OTB) and Buy Plans for designated category along with Inventory Management partners.
Actively manage the business both in forward planning and in-season execution.
Review business regularly; analyzing, summarizing, and making recommendations.
Quickly zero in on key business opportunities and create competitive and breakthrough strategies/plans.
Manage promotional strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
Manage sourcing relationships and internal communications for all customer-facing programs.
Manage vendor relationships: negotiate best possible pricing, handle quality assurance issues, organize claims preparation, return to vendor (RTV) process, vendor income support and track and resolve outstanding issues.
Identify, source, and onboard new vendors (working with agents and internal Vendor Relations teams).
Research, prepare, and present new product ideas and concepts to internal partners.
Provide Advertising, Marketing, Visual and eCommerce support needed to drive sales of your categories.
Confirm accuracy of all marketing exposure and signs.
Demonstrate the ability to influence, make decisions, and act without having the total picture; comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
Manage the professional development of one or more Assistant and/or Associate Buyers.
Build rapport quickly and establish positive and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external business partners.