Merchandise Buyer

The Merchandise Buyer is an experienced consumer goods specialist within a retail or wholesale business environment. Working hands-on with cross-functional teams in sales, store operations, distribution and inventory management. This position is responsible for optimizing the overall product mix, influencing private label development, increasing sales and gross profit margin. In addition to managing account portfolios, providing assortment plans, sales analysis, and to support Jacent?s retail partners. This position is responsible for developing strategies and solutions to exceed company targets for sales and gross profit margin. Reports to the Director of Merchandise Buying.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze and maintain category assortments by account including making recommendations for promotions, new item introductions, item replacements, item discontinuations, and pricing.
• Collaborate with Product Development to continue to drive private label assortment and brands, assist in direct sourcing including partnering with our overseas sourcing team to create new products and oversee package designs
• Work closely with Planogram Department to enhance product placement, develop in-line sets and off-shelf programs
• Evaluate items and programs based on quality, viability, sales history and profitability
• Negotiate pricing, make packaging/product recommendations and finalize production samples with existing and new suppliers
• Track new items, promotional and program approvals while working with the distribution, store operations, and replenishment team for implementation
• Collaborate and communicate with internal departments and teams such as the Retail Sales Management teams and Sales department on account and promotional opportunities and to ensure the customer?s needs are getting met
• Attend relevant industry trade shows and conferences to evaluate industry trends, identify and source new items
• Visit Jacent?s retail partner stores as well as their competitors to assist with preparation of sales materials for account meetings for new item introductions, program opportunities, etc.
• Perform category reviews based on a set review schedule
• Understand cross-merchandising mechanics and work collaboratively to fulfill category needs
• Understand and demonstrate safe work practices at all times to ensure a safe work environment.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational communication skills
• Excellent mathematical reasoning skills with the ability to understand and analyze sales numbers, as well as use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Ability to create assortment plans in Excel, perform analysis, and make recommendations
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working partnerships, both within the company and with outside suppliers
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects
• Possesses a professional demeanor and positive attitude
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadline
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to results
• Willingness to adapt to changing environment
• Commitment to excellence
• Works well and thrives in a team environment as well as independently
• Project management and proven leadership skills

Experience and Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years’ experience as a buyer within hardlines, consumer products related industries (retail, wholesale buying and/or grocery channel)
• Experience in health & beauty, household and cleaning related categories a plus
• Must have experience with building and maintaining planograms, end-caps, power panels and the like
• Strong computer skills including proficient competence with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook