Senior Buyer

Overview

The Senior Buyer is responsible for independently managing all aspects of the buying process to achieve sales, margin and inventory turnover.  This position will primarily buy on the open market and will be responsible for building strong assortments that will achieve/surpass financial objectives of the business. The Senior Buyer is also responsible for leading the assortment planning, product research and selection, vendor negotiation, and marketing of specific categories.  This position works closely with the buying management team, merchandise planning team, promotional planning team, merchandise placement team and the merchandising support team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.

Responsibilities

• Executes sales, margin and inventory plans for their assigned category.
• Generate business analysis to track selling, vendor profitability, aged inventory, and identify key trends to maximize opportunities in the assortment in order to achieve continued growth and profitability of the business.
• Aggressively drive the business by identifying opportunities and developing action plans to maximize best results through reorders, challenging business partners and status quo.
• Lead negotiations with vendors and interacts with the vendor community within Kirkland’s standards of codes and ethics.
• Partner with the Planning & Allocations Department to develop and execute customer driven assortment plans for their assigned category.
• Responsible for communicating merchandise strategies to all business partners to ensure that goals are met/surpassed on a regular basis.
• Maintains knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends as it relates to their assigned categories.
• Partners with the Planner to complete accurate forecasts, evaluating sales, markdowns and receipts.
• Recommends timely markdown on goods and reorders on best sellers.
• Manage the development of merchandising guidelines and product knowledge information to the stores.
• Aids in establishing best practices and building processes appropriate for a growing business.
• Obtains samples and provides direction during advertising turns-ins and proofing.
• Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise.
• Responsible for growth and development of Buyer(s).
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Kirkland’s Values

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 6 or more years of experience in Buying.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates an ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.
• Expert knowledge of Product Management, Merchandising, and Buying.
• Strong knowledge of trends and home décor.
• Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs.
• Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations.
• Ability to maintain and build strong working relationships.
• Ability to manage profitability.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel as needed.