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Job Summary: Assists the Buyer s responsible for the development and execution of all merchandise stock assortments and promotional plans for assigned departments. Has limited Open-to-buy authority. Works closely with Buyer and Planner Distributor to plan and execute sales gross profit and stock turn plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works under the supervision of a Buyer who retains overall responsibility for managing merchandise categories/lines assigned. The Associate Buyer performs the following duties within limits established by the Buyer. Work is reviewed at key points within the buying/planning process to ensure work meets established objectives.

• Analyzes market trends and offerings to develop and execute merchandise stock assortments, business strategies, and goals for assigned merchandise lines/departments.

• Negotiates with vendors within established limits to obtain the most favorable prices and allowances to achieve sales and profit objectives for basic and advertised merchandise.

• Where required, works with vendors to ensure that all vendor's in-store sales staff is trained, meets all NEX standards, and is scheduled for all necessary and negotiated staffing hours.

• Responsible for the development, execution, and maintenance of the Master Stock Assortments (MSA).

• Works with other codes to develop space allocation, adjacencies, and planograms for store sets and renovations.

• Develops and executes advertising plans for assigned departments. Oversees order placement and tracking to ensure timely receipt of merchandise.

• Works with Buyers to prepare information tools, training materials, and training seminars for store associates.

• Works closely with Planner/Distributor to plan annual and seasonal sales, gross profit, and stock turn.

• Works closely with Planner/Distributor to determine and execute automated replenishment methods.

• May be assigned responsibility for supervising and developing a subordinate staff consisting of Assistant Buyers, Merchandisers, and Pricing Specialists, as appropriate.

• Conducts store visits as appropriate to evaluate merchandise presentation, customer demographics, stock assortments, and inventory levels. Works closely with store management to address and maximize business opportunities.

• Attends trade shows and markets as appropriate.

• Works with Planner/Distributor to determine optimal order size, inventory levels, and allocations needed to achieve merchandising and financial goals.

• Analyzes financial performance using tools such as, but not limited to, Data Warehouse and Category Scorecard to ensure established goals are met and take appropriate corrective action when necessary.

• Prepares merchandise information manuals, monthly information bulletins, and associate training seminars as appropriate.

• Maintain collaborative partnerships with vendors and internal and external colleagues.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Works under the close supervision of a Buyer. Operates independently within the authority delegated by the Buyer. Performance is evaluated on operational performance, skill evaluations, customer service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, and established individual performance objectives.

• Exercises independent judgment and approval in routine and non-routine situations. Consults with the supervisor on such issues as policy matters, deviations from standard procedures, or unusual circumstances.

The incumbent of this position must file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE) Form 450, as required.

A total of 5 years of experience, consisting of the following:

General Experience: 3 years of experience gained in professional, technical, or other responsible work, which enabled the applicant to acquire a knowledge of retail practices; demonstrated skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships; the ability to analyze problems and exercise mature judgment.

OR Substitution of education for experience: 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for nine months of experience, up to a maximum of a four years bachelor's degree for three years of general knowledge.

AND Specialized Experience: 2 years of progressively responsible substantive experience, which provided background in:
>Procurement practices, methods, and procedures
>Developing and maintaining open to buy
>Selecting sources of supply
>Planning stock assortments
>Review of merchandise for pricing, markdowns, and stock rotation
>Planning and developing sales promotions