Buyer ( Women's Apparel) Jobs

Job Title: Buyer

Reports to: VP, Purchasing & Allocations

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the development and execution of assigned product class business strategy to maximize sales and profit in our store and web business. You will contribute to the business by utilizing strong leadership, buying, and planning skills. You will develop strong relationships with our vendors base and focus on building your team’s bench strength to­­­ produce future leaders.

Description of Job Responsibilities:

Category Management:

Develop and execute merchandising and marketing strategies for assigned product category in all distribution channels (Retail Stores & Web).

• Build out following year assortment plan - final review and sign off prior to director sign off meetings.
• Define and implement category pricing and promotional strategy;
• Create and oversee special sales based activities (i.e. vendor contests, programs, events, etc.);
• Communicate category initiatives/issues internally and externally;
• Collaborate with marketing to ensure all key items and strategies are communicated to our customer base
• Maximize profitability for category – sales, margin, inventory turn, GMROI etc.;
• Create and optimize product assortments in all distribution channels;
• Develop category merchandising strategy with Director of Purchasing that differentiates Golf Town from competition and meets/exceeds our annual metric goals;
• Collaborate with SGM’s, either by conference call or store visit, to ensure all product needs are addressed.
• Utilize private brands where applicable to maximize value and increase category profit;
• Lead and direct cross-functional teams to execute special projects and category initiatives.

Vendor Management:

• Constantly evaluate vendor performance and programs - negotiate vendor terms to meet profitability targets.
• Manage assortments, inventory, and finances for each vendor.
• Secure favourable product costs, sufficient supply and vendor funding to support strategic business goals.
• Foster positive relationships with vendor community to achieve strategic company goals;

Marketing Management:

• Work cross functionally with the marketing team to ensure new launches are featured.
• Use Nudge where possible to inform staff of new products/offers
• Participate in weekly ad calendar meetings
• Review roadmap to ensure YOY comps

Inventory Management:

• Identify sales risks
• Partner with Planners/Replenishment Team to ensure category meets/exceeds inventory, turn and GMROI goals.
• Work with Planning Team/Replenishment Team to achieve key in-stock levels and turn goals.
• Build core sku list for Replenishment Team to follow
• Collaborate with Inventory Planner to implement and manage supply chain initiatives to optimize performance metrics;
• Plan and execute effective product life cycles – including negotiating vendor markdown monies, RTV’s, etc.;
• Review inventory forecast for splits for upcoming months (Bulk breakout)
• Create and maintain YOY sales result folder.
• Develop & execute the merchandise assortment plan to achieve the current years targets with the help of the planning department.
• Lead contact for marketing to help execute key events/promotions.

Leadership and Staff Development:

• Lead, coach, develop, and empower Merchandising Analyst.
• Lead and direct cross-functional support team without direct authority.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be able to work well in a team environment and independently;
• Excellent follow through;
• Ability to multi-task and easily adapt category strategy to current business climate;
• Commitment to customer service;
• Strong PC skills;
• Strong organizational, project leadership, and time management skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Post-secondary education (University preferred) with a focus on merchandising, business or economics;
• Proven analytical and problem solving ability;
• 3 - 5 years’ managerial experience;
• Must be assertive and eager to grow in an extremely fast paced organization;
• Passion and strong understanding of the sporting goods industry
• 5–7 years progressive experience and well versed in brand/category management, procurement, contract negotiation and vendor management within the retail industry;