OverviewBuyer is responsible for the overall P&L, managing large, complex categories (performance supplements) as they set, communicate and execute strategic direction for their assigned categories. They are responsible for the planning and management of category sales, promotional activity, margin, inventory, product assortment and item data accuracy. In addition, they are to collaborate with Marketing, Inventory Team, Retail Operations, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Public Relations and Finance to achieve category plans and to share category insights. Buyers are the primary owner of vendor relationships for national branded and Vitamin Shoppe brand products.
Responsibilities- Set, manage and execute the strategic direction for the category(s) to include both Vitamin Shoppe Brand and national branded product
- Collaborate with Category Planner to develop category inventory productivity targets, monitor receipts and work to implement strategic initiatives to drive results
- Develop and achieve category quantitative plans including sales, promotional mark downs and merchandise margin.
- Create well-balanced assortments partnering with Private brands on opportunities
- Develop and execute the monthly promotional cadence in partnership w/ the marketing and pricing teams
- Work with the Pricing team to determine competitive position of products against our various categories of competition
- Cultivate, sustain and be the primary owner of vendor relationship with a primary focusing creating business opportunity
- Establishes and maintains a reputation of credibility and responsiveness in the marketplace (e.g. promptly returns vendor phone calls, ensure timely follow-up on issues, etc.)
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with cross-functional partners (Inventory, Private Brands, Marketing, Visual, MIO)
- Build and communicate category & market intelligence throughout the organization
- Proactively leads, develops and manages staff with a goal of developing internal merchandising bench strength
- Stay current on industry and competitive landscape by attending primary industry events and by regularly visiting competitors to understand what they offer and to validate our competitive advantages and positioning
Supervisory Responsibilities:- Associate Buyer
- Assistant Buyer
Key Performance Indicators: - Quantitative
- Sales dollars
- Margin dollars
- Inventory productivity (Turn, GMROI)
- Qualitative
- Assortment review
- Promotion management
QualificationsEducation/Certification:- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Nutrition or related Field
Required Knowledge:- Current or previous category merchandising expertise in commodity/replenishment driven categories
- 5-7+ years in a progressive retail or CPG merchandising career
- Ability and passion to drive change and innovation within categories of accountability
- Strong vendor partner with strong negotiation skills and experience negotiating with multinational vendors.
- Advanced analytical rigor with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Expertise using market share data to aid decision making and promotion cadence
- Passion for the health and wellness industry
- Passionate hands-on leader with the ability to execute in a fast paced organization
