Merchant Assistant

The Assistant Buyer is responsible for day-to-day duties in executing merchant plans & strategies. The Assistant Buyer position requires frequent communication with multiple teams and divisions. In this role you will identify market trends and gain knowledge of competitive landscape for the purposes of providing business driving recommendations. This position also requires forging strong vendor relationships and will directly interact with our vendors.

It is a developmental role towards becoming a buyer.

• Drive assortment optimization for buying responsibilities within the specific category
• Track creation and ordering of all new SKUs in partnership with planning team to hit launch dates
• Place and track orders for non-saleable goods such as samples
• Identify and maximize financial opportunities / minimize liabilities on total business
• Utilize MFCS to create accurate SKU information in system with regards to class, subclass, etc.
• Run, analyze, and send weekly department and vendor selling reports, prep information for market
• Actively monitor performance; develop action plans to mitigate risks and/or respond to changing circumstances, and execute them in a timely manner
• Create compelling assortment tailored to the Bluemercury customer; collaborate with VM team to build and manage planograms and in-store display programs with appropriate regionalization; make recommendations to buyer/director and Head of Merchandising
• Negotiate with vendors for collection of Return or Vendor (RTV) and Mark Down Dollar Allowance (MDA) money
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Partner with Planning to forecast demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• Stay on current beauty industry trends, competitor activity and emerging brands

• Bachelor's Degree from a 4-year college or university
• Practice open and continuous communication, value keeping others informed, effectively presenting information in a clear, concise manner
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across functional lines and at many levels
• Ability to think creatively, strategically and technically
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and Company needs
• Knowledge of MS Office computer programs are required
• Ability to adapt to changing and ambiguous situations; thrives in a dynamic & fast paced environment