Support Center - Irving

The Sr. Buyer develops the buying strategies, manages vendor relationships, and maximizes sales and profitability through planning, purchasing, communicating, and developing pricing and marketing strategies for assigned lines of merchandise business while increasing market share. Directs and oversees a team of Buyers and Assistant Buyers, providing strategic direction between departmental and company strategies. Is accountable for high volume, high complexity department-wide categories of merchandise.

Major Activities

Buying Strategy Development

Develop and implement comprehensive buying strategies aligned with the company's goals, market trends, and customer preferencesLeads the team in developing and recommending assortment plans and determining optimal product mix based on category goals, performance, and designated category rolesDrive a compelling assortment by applying knowledge of the consumer and sense for the productDevelops and makes recommendations based on category history and market share analysisLeverage private brand development and sourcing opportunities in determining the optimal assortment and executing vendor strategy

Performance Analysis & Category Planning

Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategic category plans based on historical performance through in-depth analysis of product categories, including market trends, consumer demands, pricing, and competition, to drive informed buying decisionsMaximizes the achievement of sales and profit plans for department-wide assigned categories through a team of BuyersCreates bottom-up plan by category and reconciles with financial targetsConducts brand and market share competitive analyses, develops insights, and recommends testsDemonstrates flexibility in reacting to business results and translates financial metrics and data into actionable strategiesLeads cross-functionally, directing in-season reaction to business

Pricing, Presentation & Promotion

Sets strategy for maximizing merchandise presentations, developing planograms, and leading a cross-functional team through complex implementation processesCollaborates with pricing teams to establish competitive pricing strategies and develop promotional plans to drive sales and profitability

Vendor Management

Identifies, evaluates, and manages relationships with key vendors, negotiating favorable terms, pricing, and contractual agreementsLeads vendors based on consumer and market insights and leverages the partnership to develop the right productLeverages vendor partnerships to develop the right product and be able to lead vendors based on consumer and market insightsMonitors and evaluates supplier performance based on key metrics such as quality, reliability, timeliness, and customer satisfaction to achieve results and identify gaps and opportunities

Collaboration & Leadership

Leads cross-functional teams to drive category results while managing progress toward sales and margin goalsProvides strong, steady leadership and communication to cross-functional teamsProvides guidance, mentoring, and support to junior buying staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment

Inventory Management

Partners with inventory management to maximize return on inventory investment based on sales plans, category roles, and trendsAccountable for ensuring inventory levels support EBITDA objectives and sales objectives

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Minimum Education    

College degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Type of Experience the Job Requires    

10+ years of merchandising experience, exhibiting progressively responsible assignments in retail buying, with a focus on strategic buying, vendor management, and inventory optimizationDeep understanding of retail industry trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamicsProven track record of delivering exceptional results in driving sales, profitability, and inventory managementExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic decisionsExcellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholdersDemonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve goals and targetsExceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentFlexible, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Education

Business Degree preferred

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com

At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more. For more information, visit mikbenefits.com.

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).

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