Assistant Buyer-Watches

Assistant Buyer-Watches

North Kansas City, Missouri

The Assistant Buyer will partner with the DVP Merchandise Manager to develop and execute a strategy for product assortment and assist with managing vendor relationships for the watch and preowned watch category of business. The role will gain buying and assortment planning experience at the department, class, and sku level. Develop skills in building assortments, negotiating, pricing, planning, and marketing. The Assistant Buyer role is responsible for supporting the DVP/Merchandise Manager to achieve sales and margin objectives in the Watch area and Pre Owned Watch businesses working with the core brands of the watch department in traditional and outlet channels as well as ecommerce. Incumbents having store training is a key element within the preowned business in both group and individual stores. Brand/Store profiling in Swiss will also be a key element to achieve objectives. This position requires strong business acumen with the ability to build financial acumen by understanding the financial impact of merchandising. This position works with internal partners in Marketing to support the merchandising and marketing strategies. This position will assist with inventory management by store and interfacing with risk management.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1) Assist Merchandise Manager with assortment development and content for assigned categories.
2) Manage the product development process, samples and test programs.
3) Assist Marketing in selecting product, pricing, layout and item descriptions for assigned categories for catalogs and proof for correct studio photos, realistic color and accurate copy and pricing.
4) Provide merchandise assistance for special events.
5) Work with merchandise planners on assigned categories to achieve planned gross margin and return on investment.
6) Generate weekly reports for the buying team and provide ad hoc reporting and analysis as required.
7) Assist with maintaining relationships with vendors regarding costs and sourcing new items. Ensure vendors meet delivery expectations.
8) Execute assigned merchandise events and develop communications for stores. Provide support to stores such as assistance with specific transactions and store openings as needed.
9) Work with E-Commerce team regarding merchandise for website, ensure quality photographs are available and assist with resolving issues with special orders.
10) Lead visual merchandise projects to create visually appealing layouts and communicate consistent standards for stores.
11) Provide support to DVP/ Buyer as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
-Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
-A minimum of three years of related retail experience required.
-Multichannel experience preferred.
-Highly effective written and verbal communication skills required, along with strong retail math and organizational skills. Strong store communication and interaction is integral to the position.
-Strong computer skills required, including Word and Excel.
-Flexibility and adaptability to changing business strategies and direction a must, along with demonstrated product knowledge and taste level. Brand experience is a plus.
-Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.