Buyer, Hybrid

Belk•Charlotte, NC

1d•$90,000 - $155,000•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 role maintains a focus on product and customers by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Buyers purchase and negotiate merchandise, manage the open-to-buy process, and partner with Planners to develop strategies that maximize business opportunities. The Buyer develops and executes merchandise strategies and assortment plans, analyzes business performance, responds to trends and customer feedback, and works with Planners and Allocators on planning and revisions. The position also manages product placement, marketing, pricing, markdowns, vendor negotiations, and in-season opportunities. Buyers partner with Advertising and the DMM on promotional strategies and help build a high-quality merchandising team through partnership, leadership, coaching, and constructive feedback.

Requirements

7–9 years of retail experience.
1–3 years of retail buying experience.
Proficiency with business-related computer software, including Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.
Excellent analytical and reasoning skills.
Clear retail math skills.
Professionalism in work relationships and habits.
Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to multitask 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 meet financial goals and business objectives.
Analyze business at a detailed level to identify sales, inventory, and margin opportunities by store, department, and class.
React to business trends in a timely and efficient manner.
Create analysis 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, 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 by developing partnerships, leading, coaching, and providing constructive feedback.
Leverage the open-to-buy process to manage the business in-season and maximize opportunities.