Buyers are responsible for the overall merchandising direction of a category or department(s) with the goal of meeting/ exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. Buyers maintain a singular focus on the product and customer by incorporating competitive intelligence, customer insight, and business analysis. Buyers are responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise as well as the open to buy process. Buyers partner with Planners to develop strategies to maximize business opportunities.

Job Functions

Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectivesAnalyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and classReacts to business trends in a timely and efficient mannerCreates all necessary analysis based on trendsWorks with Planner and Allocator during the planning process: in-season planning & revisions, assortment plans, store plansIdentifies opportunities to improve overall plan qualityCommunicates effectively with all merchandising levelsCommunicates effectively with stores and vendorsReacts to feedback based on store and customer needsBuild and maintain strong partnerships with vendors and cross-functionally at BelkSelect merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of productManage all aspects of product placement, marketing and pricing/markdownsNegotiate vendor allowances, returns, advertising co-op, and other terms as neededIdentify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achievedPartner with Advertising and DMM to develop promotional strategies and identify key items or classifications that drive profitable sales and communicate compelling messages to customersBuild a high quality merchandising team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedbackLeverages open-to-buy process to manage business in-season and maximize opportunitiesTravels to all necessary markets and store tripsAbility to articulate and provide thought process behind solutions and strategic plansIdentifying emerging trends and shopping competition and market regularly

Minimum Education & Experience:

Bachelors degree strongly preferred4-7 years of retail experience; 2-3 in retail buying

Knowledge & Skills

Excellent analytical and reasoning skillsClear retail math skillsMaintains professionalism in work relationships and habitsDemonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skillsIs multi-task oriented to meet deadlines.Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills

Physical

Available and able to travel3 days a week onsite in Corporate office located in Charlotte, NCAble to see and distinguish colorsAble to lift up to 25 pounds

Supervisor

VP/DMM

Supervises

Associate Buyer

Assistant Buyer

Merchandise Assistant

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer:
Belk is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, hair style, hair texture, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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