The Merchandise Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting the Buying team in all aspects of merchandise procurement and inventory management. This role is critical in assisting with product selection, order processing, vendor relations, and analysis of sales data. The Assistant Buyer collaborates with the merchandising team to ensure that product assortments align with business goals and customer demand. This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop a career in merchandising and buying within a dynamic retail organization. The Merchandise Assistant Buyer will play a critical role in building a positive work culture, driving employee involvement, and supporting change management efforts within the retail organization.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with the placement of purchase orders, ensuring accurate order details such as pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules. Track and follow up on orders to ensure timely delivery and resolve any discrepancies with vendors.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors, communicating regularly regarding orders, product availability, and shipment updates. Assist in resolving any issues related to product quality, delivery, or pricing.
- Support the Buyer in selecting merchandise by researching product trends, analyzing sales data, and reviewing customer preferences. Assist in preparing product presentations for team reviews.
- Analyze sales reports and inventory levels to identify top-performing products and areas for improvement. Provide insights on stock replenishment needs and recommend markdowns or promotions to optimize inventory turnover.
- Collaborate with the merchandising team on visual presentation, product placement, and store assortments. Ensure that products are properly categorized and aligned with promotional strategies.
- Coordinate with vendors to manage samples, product descriptions, and images. Ensure all product information is accurate and complete in the system.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging market opportunities. Conduct market research to identify new product categories, brands, or seasonal trends.
- Assist the Buyer with setting competitive pricing strategies, reviewing margins, and planning promotional activities. Ensure that promotional products are featured appropriately across all channels.
- Prepare regular reports on sales performance, stock levels, and vendor performance. Present findings to the buying team and contribute to decision-making on product selections and strategies.
- Manage and organize product samples for review and approval. Track sample orders, return samples to vendors as needed, and ensure the buying team has access to up-to-date sample assortments.
- Provide administrative support to the buying team, including scheduling meetings, organizing vendor appointments, and maintaining accurate records of all product and vendor communications.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency in Excel for creating and analyzing reports.
- High level of accuracy in managing purchase orders, pricing details, and vendor communications. Ability to manage multiple tasks without compromising quality.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships with vendors and collaborate effectively with internal teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve order discrepancies, vendor issues, and stock challenges quickly and efficiently.
- Highly organized with strong time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Strong understanding of customer preferences and market trends. Ability to align product selections with customer demand and organizational goals.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team, supporting the Buyer and merchandising team in achieving business objectives.
- Proficiency with retail management systems, merchandising software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excel and PowerPoint are a must.
- SO strong skills needed.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field is required.
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in a retail buying, merchandising, or purchasing role, preferably within a retail organization.
- Experience in analyzing sales data, placing purchase orders, and managing vendor relationships is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must frequently use their hands to handle or feel objects and must be able to speak and hear clearly.
- The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
- The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. is prohibited.
