Company: Schuler Shoes

Title: Buyer/Procurement

Reports Directly to: Director of Merchandising, Merchandise Manager or Associate Merchandise Manager

Job Objective/Function: The Buyer sources and purchases specific brands and/or classifications of product as assigned. Their duties include Demand Planning, Team Support and Buying.

Responsibilities:

1) Demand Planning

a) Analyze consumer trends to adjust buying strategies.

b) Gain knowledge and awareness of supply chain and inventory management conditions.

c) Regularly examine data reports to forecast product flow requirements.

2) Team Support

a) Respond to retail staff’s product inquiries in a timely manner.

b) Collaborate with marketing department to ensure advertised SKU’s are shipped on time.

c) Communicate with the e-commerce department regarding SKU changes that affect our online retail store.

d) Work with the accounting department to research discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices.

e) Create and manage product information on internal data site called “Stockbook”. This is an ongoing seasonal file including a photo and description of every full price SKU.

f) Audit the product information on schulershoes.com site. Communicate discrepancies to the e-commerce department.

g) Support supervisor with additional buying and teamwork overflow.

h) Participate in monthly department meetings.

3) Buying

a) Direct responsibility for the procurement of specific brands and/or classifications.

b) Manage inventory performance to maximize fill rate availability and minimize stock outs.

c) Contact suppliers on missed deliveries, incorrect merchandise, and terms adjustments.

d) Negotiate with vendors to control costs and increase profit margins.

e) Create and maintain accurate vendor purchase orders and monitor them to ensure correct pricing, freight terms, delivery dates, tracking information, etc.

f) Analyze brand and SKU performance using historical sales data and trends.

g) Maintain supplier report cards to monitor vendor performance

h) Meet with vendor representatives to discuss semi-annual business review and detail seasonal assortment in the office, locally, and national trade shows.

i) Travel to vendor headquarters and meet with executive and design teams to pre-line future product collections.

j) Visit all retail locations semi-annually to maintain relationships with store personnel and learn consumer insights to product.

k) Position may require additional hours, travel and dress code requirements that reflect the needs of the job.

Education/Experience Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, supply chain management, logistics or related field preferred.

2 years of buying experience required.

Inventory management and demand planning experience preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent communication and networking skills.

Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task.

Attention to detail, problem solving and ability to negotiate.

Excellent computer skills in Microsoft office and purchasing software.

Project management and ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to travel nationally and internationally 2-8 times per year.

Knowledge of the footwear industry preferred.

*As duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and subject to change out of business necessity

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Maple Grove, MN 55369: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Buyer/Procurement: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Procurement: 2 years (Required)
• Purchasing: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Maple Grove, MN 55369: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person