Title: ASSOCIATE BUYER - Hardware/ Automotive Location: United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach Job Number: 2500027K 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 the 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 vendors' in-store sales staff are trained, meet all NEX standards, and are scheduled for all necessary and negotiated hours of staffing. - 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 plan for assigned departments. Oversees order placement and tracking to ensure timely receipt of merchandise. - Works with the buyer to prepare information tools, training materials, and training seminars for store associates. - Works closely with Planner/Distributor to plan sales, gross profit, and stock turn both annually and seasonally. - Works closely with Planner/Distributor to determine and execute automated methods of replenishment. - May be assigned responsibility for the supervision and development of a subordinate staff consisting of Assistant Buyers, Merchandisers, 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 being met and takes 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 based on operational performance, skill evaluations, customer service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, and adherence to established individual performance objectives. - Exercises independent judgment and approval in routine and non-routine situations. Consults with 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. Qualifications: A Total of 5 years of experience, consisting of the following: General Experience: 3 years experience which was gained in professional, technical or other responsible work which enabled the applicant to gain 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 9 months of experience, up to a maximum of a 4 years bachelor's degree for 3 years of general experience. AND Specialized Experience: 2 years of progressively responsible substantive experience, which provided background in: >Procurement practices, methods, and procedures >Developing and maintaining an open-to-buy >Selecting sources of supply >Planning stock assortments >Review of merchandise for pricing, markdowns, and stock rotation >Planning and developing sales promotions Job: Buying