Buyer I - Kay

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Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating more than 2,800 stores worldwide under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Rocksbox, JamesAllen.com and Diamonds Direct. We are a people-first company and this core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. People – and the love their actions inspire – are what drive us. We’re not only proud of the love we inspire outside our walls, we’re especially proud of the diversity, inclusion and equity we’re inspiring inside. There are dynamic career paths awaiting you – rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others and inspire love. Join us!

The Buyer I (Associate Buyer) helps develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity, while ensuring product value, quality, and styling. They partner closely with their manager to manage all aspects of assortment planning, selection, maintenance, and promotion, for designated product categories.

Responsibilities:

• Give input as requested to set Strategic Vision for Category

• Understand cost structure of product

• Develop, select, test, price and acquisition of quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand, and in keeping with strategic department goals and policies.

• Up-to-date knowledge of jewelry market trends and competitive strategies.

• Ability to adjust quickly, if needed, to changing market trends and conditions.

• Develop new product concepts/brands for test market(s), with potential for expanded store rollout.

• Coordinate efforts with the marketing, visual display and advertising departments to promote and market, key items, programs/brands and categories.

• Merchandise catalogs/promotional items for designated product categories. Present and justify all catalog/promotional items to merchandise directors and vice presidents.

• Analyze and React to Business on a weekly basis

• Help Build Buy Plans for upcoming seasons

• Participate in the development of financial plans and advertising/marketing plans for designated product categories.

• Participate in management of open-to-buy for assigned product categories with CMT and update as needed.

• Help plan and manage merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites.

• Active participant in Lifecycle Management from idea inception through Clearance and end of life. Work with Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels

• Manage negotiations relating to the return of discontinued product(s) to appropriate supplier.

• Assist in annual business review for all designated product categories to Vice Presidents of Merchandising and MP&I.

• When applicable, work directly with Signet’s accounting department to ensure credits/aging are applied correctly.

• Strategic handling of vendor base with ability to find and develop strong vendor partners.

• Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors, including direct import, and anti-money laundering certification as needed.

• Assist CMT with issues on vendor performance, including late orders and quality control issues.

• Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage.

• Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage.

• Work in collaboration with VM team for in-store presentations

• Work cross-functionally with stores Ops team, VM, DC team and Planning on store test, Rollouts, RTV’s

• Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field preferred

· 2+ years’ experience prior buying experience

· Ability to travel both nationally and internationally to attend trade shows, vendor appointments and to view markets. Occasional weekend travel as needed.

· Computer skills with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.

· Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), negotiation skills, attention to detail and accuracy, organizational skills, and math skills (ability to work with numbers and analyze data).

· Ability to be metal free and work in a metal free environment when necessary, based on security policy.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to work independently as well as a team.

· Ability to lead team if applicable.

· Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.