Associate Buyer

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Merchandise Department supports the Product needs of Helzberg Diamonds by building powerful assortments, wide-ranging price points, bridal dominance, competitive quality and value across multiple fine jewelry categories and time pieces. The Merchandise team is responsible for identifying products that will sell, negotiating vendor contracts, and analyzing sales data to make sound purchasing decisions as well as searching globally for unique trends and hot selling jewelry products.

The department has a significant impact on profitability by closely managing gross margin and inventory turns as well as asset/memo mix. Merchandise is an active partner with the Store Operations group and Marketing in driving Helzberg’s business. The Merchandise department is organized into several groups:
Bridal, Fashion, Watches, Outlets, Closeouts and Planning/Allocation.

Select and maintain merchandise assortments for assigned categories that will achieve budgeted sales and margin plans while adhering to specified inventory levels and budgets and meeting product quality standards. This position will work closely with internal partners in Marketing to support the merchandising and marketing strategies. The incumbent should also have strong relationship building skills to work effectively with external merchandise vendors.

• Develop and implement merchandise assortments and projects for assigned categories to achieve merchandising objectives that will enable the company to meet or exceed financial plans. Research competitive landscape to recommend new product to test for assortments.
• Assist Marketing in selecting product, pricing, layout and item descriptions for assigned categories for digital marketing and catalogs and proof for correct studio photos, realistic color and accurate copy and pricing. Assist with special communications or advertising for assigned categories.
• Work with merchandise planners on assigned categories to achieve planned gross margin and return on investment.
• Maintain relationships with vendors, including negotiating favorable terms and sourcing and developing new items, to ensure all products meet the company's merchandising and financial objectives. Place orders to buy test products. Evaluate vendor performance and recommend new vendors to meet business needs.
• Provide support to stores regarding merchandise questions and issues as needed.
• Provide support to Buyer and DVP as needed.

The incumbent may have direct reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, or related area.
• One to three years of buying experience and one to three years of retail experience is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five to seven years.
• Extensive product knowledge of diamonds and jewelry manufacturing is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is a plus but not required.
• Analytical skills that include the ability to recognize complex patterns and trends.
• Knowledge of retail math is required, as is proficiency with Word processing and Excel software.
• Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.

Analytical Thinking, Business Knowledge, Leadership, Integrity, Relationship Building, Teamwork and Cooperation