Buyer- Off Price (Hybrid)

In this fast-paced off-price environment, the Off-Price Buyer is expected to lead with agility and a sharp market instinct. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s) with the goal of meeting/ exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. Off-Price Buyers maintain a singular focus on the product, value, price, quality and the customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Ownership of the end-to-end process — from assortment planning to in-season reaction — and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure inventory flow aligns with business goals. Off-Price Buyers are responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise as well as the open to buy process.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives while providing value, quality and on-brand merchandise for the outlet stores
• Proactively identify emerging trends and leverage liquidity to test new ideas, driving sales and margin through strategic buys.
• Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
• Frequent vendor meetings and market trips to support reacting to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
• Creates all necessary analysis based on trends, events and other store related needs
• Works with Planner and Allocator during the planning process: in-season planning & revisions, assortment plans, store plans
• Identifies opportunities to improve overall plan quality
• Communicates effectively with all merchandising levels
• Communicates effectively with stores and internal cross-functional partners 
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with vendor partners, while building a presence with new and existing vendors within the outlets and company
• Reacts to feedback based on store and customer needs
• Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
• Manage all aspects of product placement, marketing and any pricing related tasks
• Negotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as needed
• Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
• Build a high-quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
• Leverages open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunities
• Travels to all necessary markets and store trips
• Ability to articulate and provide thought process behind solutions and strategic plans
• Identifying emerging trends and shopping competition and market regularly
• Lead, develop and manage Merchandise Assistant
• Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule 

 
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred 

   

Work Experience:

• 7-9 years retail experience required    
• 1-3 years retail buying required    

 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong negotiation skills
• Exceptional at relationship building and maintaining strong relationships internally and in the vendor community
• Collaborative approach
• Quick decision making
• Deep understanding of customer behavior
• Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel)
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills
• Clear retail math skills
• Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits
• Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
• Is multi-task oriented to meet deadlines.
• Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills

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