General Merchandise, Outdoor Floral Specialist

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the buyer to execute day-to-day category management activities. Collaborate on assortment selection, promotional/advertising plans, and the overall vision to achieve sales, inventory and margin budgets. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.
• Collaborate with the buyer in the execution of sales, inventory and margin plans; develop and maintain quality standards
• Assist in monitoring current trends and legislation affecting domestic and overseas purchasing
• Locate new sources for products; analyze product for construction, safety and quality
• Communicate all aspects of product to vendors including buyer initiated revisions, spec changes, packaging and color;
  Track product through development;
  Review plant quality standards with growers and stores
• Maintain industry knowledge by studying competitor advertisements, trade publications and market trends
• Assist the buyer in executing the overall vision for the category (e.g., assortment, pricing, merchandising, advertising/promotion, receipt flow, and margin)
• Complete detailed analysis to determine assortment selection and changes for the enterprise;
  Accumulate vendor product information and costs for assortment selection
• Accumulate vendor product information and costs for assortment selection
• Oversee item setup processes and review/confirm details before submitting
• Assist the buyer and corporate pricing analyst with competitive price checks for the enterprise and maintain pricing strategy database
• Determine point of sale (POS) and temporary price reduction (TPR) pricing, clearance and markdown needs and partner with the buyer/planner to get them executed
• Manage the advertising and promotional process for the category using line lists, Ad Space Allocation (ASA), Event Sales Planning (ESP), display plans, etc.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain merchandise samples for review, e-commerce and advertising
• Evaluate and make vendor return decisions on salvaged merchandise; process form 11 vendor allowances when approved
• Confirm trade point and contracts with the administrative support personnel (ASP) before they are created
• Manage purchase orders and receiving via the on-order log, follow up with vendors and communicate any concerns to the entire team (e.g., buyer, planner, replenishment buyer, and assistant planner)
• Research/find solutions for any receiving problems by working with warehouses and/or logistics; assist buyer with additional special projects
• Travel for vendor visits and negotiations
• Oversee a sub-set of the buyer's total categories
• Locate and select assortments for the enterprise; manage vendor relationships to maximize sales, margins and minimize costs for the assigned category
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Bachelors Degree business or 2 years of retail store managerial experience or a combination of relevant education and experience

Strong accuracy/attention to detail

Completed development plan for both assistant buyer and assistant planner (Level
7)

Proficient Microsoft Office skills

Familiarity with retail industry technical terms and processes

Ability to function in a fast paced, retail/office environment

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks/projects

Bachelors degree in business