Retail Merchandising Manager/Buyer (L321-24-01)

Analyzes and forecasts golf merchandise buying trends; researches and reviews product lines; selects and orders merchandise; organizes and processes special orders and damaged / defective claims; monitors and maintains inventory budget levels; ensures sales and a well merchandised shop. Supervises, directs and trains subordinates in performing assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Analyzes, forecasts and orders golf merchandise; develops and implements merchandise plan.
• Produces satisfactory gross margin through control of initial markups, markdowns, shrinkage control, vendor returns and markdown allowances.
• Schedules, purchases and prepares purchase orders.
• Ensures open orders and invoice discrepancies are resolved.
• Researches and schedules appointments; reviews vendor lines; attends appointments as needed to assist in buying decisions.
• Maintain relationships with vendors; utilizes negotiation skills.
• Prepares and reviews month-end, year-end and inventory reports; prepares and analyzes reports as requested.
• Develops sales promotions and timing calendars, assortment plans and programs to achieve sales and profit goals.
• Verifies, codes and approves invoices for payment.
• Merchandises and restocks Golf Shop, on-line shop and pop-ups; arranges and displays new merchandise lines on sales floor and in windows.
• Composes, prepares and proof reads correspondence, emails, memos and faxes.
• Manages and maintains annual inventory and operating budgets.
• Responsible for achieving sales, mark-up, gross margin and turnover of inventory.
• Supervises and directs subordinates in duties related to sales, merchandising, purchasing, receiving and invoice reconciliation.
• Motivates employees; demonstrates proper work methods and instructs safety procedures to ensure compliance of safety regulations.
• Implements, enforces and complies with company policies and procedures. Answers questions concerning policies, procedures and work methods for employees.
• Reports status and progress of merchandising to Head Professional and General Manager.
• Prepares and processes damage claims, order acknowledgments and Golf Shop fill in requests.
• Prepares entry and coordinates photo shoots for award applications (100 Best Golf Shops).
• Prepares and processes special order requests and staff orders.
• Receives and tags merchandise; inputs orders and receiving information into computer system.
• Coordinates and prepares inventory for sales markdowns, annual sale, and quarterly inventories.
• Attends meetings, seminars, trade shows and other functions as required; traveling required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises and manages employees in the Retail Department; responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, training and motivating employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; instructing and demonstrating proper work methods and safety procedures to ensure compliance of safety regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; minimum three years retail buying experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and standard operating procedures. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL & ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Uses analytical skills to look at sales and industry trends; able to calculate, evaluate, and analyze figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, and area. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Organization skills to plan, and design space, square footage and windows for display of merchandise.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.