Buyer I - Jared
Job Description
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Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating more than 2,800 stores worldwide under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Rocksbox, JamesAllen.com and Diamonds Direct. We are a people-first company and this core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. People – and the love their actions inspire – are what drive us. We’re not only proud of the love we inspire outside our walls, we’re especially proud of the diversity, inclusion and equity we’re inspiring inside. There are dynamic career paths awaiting you – rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others and inspire love. Join us!
JOB SUMMARY:
The primary responsibility of the Associate Buyer is to help develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity, while ensuring product value, quality, and styling. The Associate Buyer either directly manages a small category or assists a Sr. Buyer or above in managing a larger category. The Associate Buyer holds a leadership role within the category management team (CMT). Working within the CMT, the Associate Buyer partners closely with their manager to manage all aspects of assortment planning, selection, maintenance, and promotion, for designated product categories.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Category Management
Give input as requested to set Strategic Vision for Category
Up-to-date knowledge of jewelry market trends and competitive strategies
Ability to adjust quickly, if needed, to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies
Analyze and React to Business on a weekly basis
Participate in the development of financial plans and advertising/marketing plans for designated product categories
Assist in all business reviews for all designated product categories to Leadership
Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team
Product Development
Develop, select, test, price and acquire quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand, and in keeping with strategic department goals and policies
Develop new product concepts/brands for test market(s), with potential for expanded store roll out
Active participant in Lifecycle Management from idea inception through Clearance and end of life
Strategic handling of vendor base with ability to find and develop strong vendor partners
Assortment / Inventory Management
Understand cost structure of product
Help plan and manage merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites
Work with Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels
Manage negotiations relating to the return of discontinued product(s) to appropriate supplier
Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors
Collaboration
Coordinate efforts with the marketing, visual display and advertising departments to promote and market key items, programs/brands and categories
Merchandise all marketing channel items for designated product categories. Present and justify all catalog/promotional items to merchandise directors and vice presidents
Partner with Sourcing on factory selection and cost negotiation
Participate in management of open-to-buy for assigned product categories with CMT and update as needed
When applicable; work directly with Signet’s accounting department to ensure credits/aging are applied correctly
Assist CMT with issues on vendor performance, including late orders and quality control issues
Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage
Work in collaboration with Visual Merchandising team for in-store presentations (planograms)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field preferred
Required or Acceptable Job-Related Experience: 2+ years’ experience prior buying experience
Years of Job-Related Experience Required: 2+ years
Technical/Other Skills Required:
Ability to travel both nationally and internationally to attend trade shows, vendor appointments and to view markets. Occasional weekend travel as needed.
Computer skills with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), negotiation skills, attention to detail and accuracy, organizational skills, and math skills (ability to work with numbers and analyze data)
Ability to be metal free and work in a metal free environment when necessary, based on security policy
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently as well as a team
Ability to lead team if applicable
Ability to demonstrate leadership skills
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Competitive healthcare, dental & vision insurance
401(k) matching after one year of employment
Generous PTO + company holidays
Diversity programs
Much more!
Company Information
Location: Akron, OH
Type: Hybrid