Associate Buyer

Kirkland's, Inc. • Brentwood, TN

1d

About The Position

The Associate Buyer takes ownership of a portion of the buyer’s overall business and manages the processes to achieve sales, margin, and inventory turnover. Assisting the Buyer in execution of the processes and functions for the Buyer’s merchandise categories. They are also responsible for assortment planning, product selection, vendor negotiation, and marketing of specific lines. This position reports directly to the Buyer and works closely with merchandising leadership, planning and allocation, and merchandising operations teams to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; or related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of experience with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities.
• Merchandising, product and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs
• Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations.
• Ability to maintain and build strong working relationships.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to 45 pounds or more on a regular basis
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb and lift to stock and retrieve merchandise samples from stockroom on a regular basis
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Executes sales, margin and inventory plans for their assigned area.
• Monitors and responds to issues and opportunities resulting from deviations in plan variances.
• Maintains relationships with vendors and interacts with the vendor community within Kirkland’s standards of codes and ethics.
• Supports the development of customer driven assortment plans for their assigned category.
• Supports Buyer as needed in all functions of their respective categories including sku setup, generating purchase orders, and sample management.
• Identifies and shops competition and makes product recommendations to the buyer.
• Maintains knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends as it relates to their assigned categories.
• Partners with the Planner to complete accurate forecasts, evaluating sales, markdowns and receipts.
• Obtains samples and provides direction during advertising turns-ins and proofing.
• Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise.
• Monitors and maintains promotional performance.
• Manages and controls the markdown process and communicates variances to the Buyer.
• Analyzes sales trend, key items, vendor profitability and aged inventory and makes recommendations for driving improved performance.
• Assists in the development of product and negotiation to include cost, subsidy and terms.
• Demonstrates a commitment to The Brand House Collective Values

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level