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 forall 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 toestablished 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.

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