What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Buyer - Hybrid position at Claire's?
Associate Buyer - HYBRID
***On Site 2 days a week at Hoffman Estates Headquarters***
About the Role
The primary function of the Global Buying department is to deliver a commercially focused and balanced product range that meets customer needs. The Group Associate Buyer will be specifically responsible for supporting the delivery of key financial metrics for the department, such as sales, profit, margin, markdown, and discount, with the core areas of responsibility being: Business Analysis/Merchandising Strategy, Product Development, Manage Vendor Relationships, Build Relationships, Execution of Assistant Buyer tasks. The role of the Group Associate Buyer plays as a key part in the business as they will support in looking for new trends and ideas and then turning those ideas into a commercial proposition for our customers.
Main Responsibilities:
Develop merchandise assortment according to the season for assigned area of responsibility consistent with financial plans and merchandising trends
Analyze current market trends and ideas to recommend and develop new items for purchase
Provide analytical creative and managerial support to the buyer
Negotiate with vendors, both domestic and international, for price and delivery
Develop merchandise strategy with buyer/planner
Source new vendors/expand vendor base
Analyze business weekly with responsibility to report findings to upper management
Dotted line responsibility relationship with Assistant Buyer
Meeting with vendors for any product category as required, to discuss any product opportunities
Builds innovative/differentiated products into assortments, takes informed risks
Develops unique, differentiated merchandise with an understanding of product development
Partner with merchandisers to evaluate plans by re-deploying inventory investment due to shifts in business to maximize financial plans
Creates and facilitates an effective work environment by coaching, developing, and mentoring teams, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modeling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
Conducts regular competitive shopping and reports back findings and relevant actions, utilizing all information necessary
Manages and oversees the critical path with the buying, merchandising, and quality teams to ensure on-time delivery
Partner with various departments including but not limited to Planning, Allocation, Marketing, QA, PD, Logistics, and In-Store Presentation to ensure the correct execution of assortments in stores
Decision Making:
1) Makes everyday operational decisions to get the job done
2) Makes job function and tactical decisions that could affect others
3) Makes job function and strategic decisions that could affect the overall company
About You
Education: Bachelor's Degree Required
2 – 3 years of direct retail buying experience
Strong negotiation and organizational skills
Strong oral and written skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Flexibility and ability to follow through on an assignment
Have a keen interest in all aspects of the fashion industry
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels across all sectors
Highly organized with the ability to prioritize workload
Travel as required
Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.
