Purchasing - Merchandise Assistant

Position Title:  Merchandise Assistant

Reports to:  Buyer

Location:  Milwaukee, WI

Type:  Non-exempt

Summary:  The Merchandise Assistant is responsible for aiding the Buyer by performing administrative and problem solving duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.  Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• Help buyers establish, monitor, maintain, and exceed predetermined metrics (product sell thru, inventory turn, carryover from season-to-season).
• Create and maintain spread sheets supporting these activities.
• Liaise for store, warehouse, buyers, and vendors.
• Respond to email and phone inquiries
• Proactively communicate issues and appropriate solutions with internal and external partners
• Create and execute solutions for the following:
• Receiving discrepancies (overage, shortage, incorrect merchandise)
• Creation of transfer orders for distribution by the warehouse
• Review and adjust auto min max quantities to ensure in stock and inventory performance
• Transfers between stores
• Help to maximize inventory turn through knowledge of seasons and various product lines.
• Assist with establishing internal controls for stores (adherence to inventory policies, item counts as needed).
• Administrative duties include:
• Creation and maintenance of Styles/SKUs based on buyer spreadsheets
• Purchase order creation, maintenance and tracking
• Price adjustments including temporary and permanent price changes based on buyer direction, advertising and seasonal requirements
• Assist with advertising processes including form creation, ad proofing and gathering of sample merchandise

Employment Requirements:

• Requires an understanding of Microsoft Office; strong proficiency in Excel.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually under minimal supervision.
• Effective communicator with the ability to build strong relationships with store personnel and vendors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent preferred.
• 2 years’ experience in the same or similar role.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand; reach with hands and arms; walk and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 3 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.