The Sr. Buyer researches and selects products for specified categories for each catalog; maintains budgeted profit margins, product quality standards, and meets or exceeds customer expectations through selection and pricing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Researches trends on lifestyles, target customers, and competition through print, internet, stores, domestic and international trade markets and in-house data.
  • Analyzes sales history for trends and item performance; determines item pick-ups.
  • Writes a market plan for each catalog based on research.
  • Develops and sources products for final approval by chief merchant; collects product concepts, works with designers and vendors to have product designed properly, and sources open market to complete the catalog line.
  • Ensures all products meet cost, size, weight, purchasing requirements and quality standards.
  • Develops and maintains a schedule for each catalog.
  • Analyzes data to determine categories and looks for the catalog, creates a product assortment and catalog merchandising plan to ensure maximum sales.
  • Organizes merchandise to maintain a balance of relist and new merchandise that reflects sales history and new market trends.
  • Participates in product negotiations and initial buys of new products.
  • Monitors vendor performance as to quality, price, and delivery to determine vendor base.
  • Provides information on comparable price studies for each item to ensure the catalog is value priced.
  • Ensures vendor specifications are correct and clear for vendors and the Quality Department.
  • Works closely with the Quality Department to review products and set product standards; consistently monitors returns and quality issues that impact profitability.
  • Drives the sales and margin performance to plan, maintaining product integrity.
  • Reviews item profitability in order to develop seasonal catalog page plans and identify areas for growth.
  • Enters data into the MAPS System.
  • Proofs catalogs; rebuilds catalogs as required.

SCOPE

  • Works under general supervision. Position requires the exercise of independent judgment.
  • Works closely with the Creative Department in catalog presentation and copy direction of products.
  • Works closely with the Inventory Department in vendor analysis and information exchange for initial and re-orders.
  • Works closely with the QC Department to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Regular interaction with Executive Department and outside vendors.
  • Supervises the daily activities of one or more merchandising associates.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Strong understanding of the job functions and possesses the knowledge and skills required to perform the required job functions.
  • Dependable, responsible and willing to accept accountability.
  • Strong continuous learning for self and others; keeps abreast of changes in current field and new technology.
  • Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with a diverse audience.
  • Ability to build and lead effective teams; ensures cooperation between the team and others.
  • Strong customer service orientation (internal and external customers).
  • Ability to adapt to a continuously changing working environment.
  • Results oriented with good planning, organizational and time management skills. Handles multiple tasks in a fast-paced deadline driven environment. Delivers on commitments.
  • Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to hire, train and develop resources to maximize efficiency and effectiveness; recognizes and effectively leverages associates skills and abilities.
  • Ability to develop and implement more efficient ways of working.
  • Strong computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database programs, and report writing.
  • Ability to adapt to a continuously changing working environment.
  • Ability to develop and implement more efficient ways of working.
  • Creative and aesthetic talents and abilities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Interior Design or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 5 – 7 years buying experience; preferably in the catalog industry; experience in sourcing/buying in both the domestic and international marketplace.