OverviewThe Buyer is a leadership position in the company and is, in partnership with the Merchandising and Planning team, responsible for achieving sales, gross margin, and profit goals of a specific business through the selection, pricing, and promotion of merchandise. The Buyer is a product and merchandise focused role that utilizes appropriate merchandising and management techniques to maximize the company's return on inventory investment. The position reports to the VP of Merchandising and Planning. This role requires a high degree of team management, product expertise, attention to detail, quantitative analysis, and vendor relationship management. This role requires a high degree of discretion, good judgement and tact. The ability to problem-solve and stay attuned to customer needs is paramount. This role has a strong focus on the customer experience and guiding a team to ensure we have the right product in the right place, at the right time. In addition, this position will develop and drive strategy, analysis and appropriate reaction to sales trend in order to maximize business.
Duties and Responsibilities- Support the "Cavender's Culture" and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values
- Serve as a strategic partner and key support resource to the company
- Create strategic plans for buying that meet the needs of the organization
- Lead Merchandising Department Associates to deliver on financial and talent goals and objectives
- Manage a high volume, complex or multi-department area which includes website for Omni-channel business
- Make focused decisions based on brand integrity and company values to ensure an understanding of our core customer for highest customer satisfaction
- Set priorities, foster cohesion, and provide motivation to cross-functional teams
- Develop and communicate a conceptual assortment plan for department needs that tie to financial expectations (style assortment, key item needs, retails, IMU's, AUR's) in a timely manner
- Partner with Planning to ensure the appropriate financial strategies and distribution to maximize sales, margin, and turn of the business
- Determine quantities to order by style, size, and color; validate to OTB plan in a timely manner
- Validate space with assortment plan to ensure appropriate depth is achieved by store volume (size)
- Maximize Web sales, margin and messaging
- Partner with Director of Marketing to identify product to be advertised
- Manage, develop and educate direct reports, to include Buyers, Associate Buyers, and Assistant Buyers, providing guidance, mentoring and coaching
- Assess the competition with respect to financial condition, trends, marketing, and product strategy; react accordingly to ensure market leadership
- Step into leadership situations and project leads as directed by the VP of Merchandising
- Partner with Planning, Replenishment and Allocation associates to calculate algorithms and assist the company in improving and developing a mastery of inventory control
Qualifications and Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Retail Merchandising, Business, or related field or equivalent work experience
- 8+ years of progressive experience as a merchant in a specialty retail environment
- 5+ years of progressive merchandising department management experience
- A proven track record of developing and building a successful apparel or footwear business
- Ability to interpret documents and work effectively within a merchandising
- Ability to apply abstract principles to a wide range of complex tasks
- Ability to comprehend complex issues and communicate
- Based in Tyler, TX at our home office; East Texas area residence
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
Preferred Skills - Ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated knowledge and proven ability to identify trends and business opportunities
- Functional expertise in all areas of Buying, Merchandising, Planning, Allocation and Inventory Control
- Hands-on and capable in developing, preparing, and implementing tactical plans in support of strategic company goals
- A proven track record developing and building an apparel business
- Experience in developing and curating a private label plan is a plus
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Must possess a clear understanding of retail financial measurements and how to impact them
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and overall Microsoft Suite
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable communicating and presenting at all levels
- Illustrate a dedication to meeting requirements of internal and external customers, responding to all customer requests promptly and thoroughly
- Ability to work in a team environment while embracing company culture
