Buyer II - 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!

JOB SUMMARY:

The responsibility of the buyer is to develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity, while ensuring product value, quality and styling. The buyer holds a leadership role within the category management team (CMT). Working within the CMT, the buyer is responsible for all aspects of assortment planning, selection, maintenance and promotion, for designated product categories.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Category Management

• Partner with Leader to set strategic vision for Category

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

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

• Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team

Product Development

• Develop, select, test, price and acquire 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.

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

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

Assortment / Inventory Management

• Co-Manage and plan merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites.

• Work with Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels

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

• Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors.

Collaboration

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

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

• Partner with Sourcing on factory selection and cost negotiation.

• Partner with Financial Planning team on open-to-buy for assigned product categories.

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

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience

Years of Job-Related Experience Required:

3-5 years of prior Buying experience

Technical/Other Skills Required:

• Ability to travel both nationally and internationally. Occasional weekend travel as needed.

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including occasional Saturdays, as needed.

• Computer skills with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Strong communication skills.

• Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail and accuracy, and organizational skills.

• Strong 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 demonstrate leadership skills.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

• Competitive healthcare, dental & vision insurance

• 401(k) matching after one year of employment

• Generous time off + company holidays

• Merchandise discount

• Learning & Development programs

• Much more!