Buyer

POSITION OVERVIEW:

A successful Buyer at WSS will enjoy the freedom and creativity to lead in the development of their business; Skills and creativity including, but not limited to, retail and cost engineering designed to surpass margin rate plans while driving topline retail sales growth and the foresight & consumer understanding to develop trend-right, timely assortments. A Buyer must understand that they are a critical member of the team, but that the team’s success is more important than their individual success.

The Buyer will work with the VP DMM and CMO to create an annual financial plan for their area of responsibility. This will include an overall number for sales, margin and inventory turns. Once this plan is created, the Buyer is then charged with meeting or exceeding the plan in their respective area.

A Buyer must be a leader; a leader who has a strategy and vision, and can communicate these to their team along with delegating and prioritizing the tactics and responsibilities necessary to achieve success.

Buyers will be paired with a Planner and a Merchandiser who will function with the Buyer as business partners to achieve the financial plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maximize the retail growth and profitability of their assigned area(s).
• Enhance and maintain excellent vendor relationships highlighting the ability to develop and negotiate reasonable business solutions.
• Display strong assortment planning skills and the ability to clearly articulate and present seasonal strategies to Senior Management from a financial and product perspective.
• Exhibit leadership qualities as you manage, hire and develop a team of Buyer Assistants and Merchandise Coordinators.
• Excellent Planning and Allocation skills and understanding of key retail concepts.
• Display strong in-season retail management skills including re-order skills, markdown strategy & execution, inventory consolidation, redistribution strategy and PO push/cancel/modification skills, etc.
• Develop and execute relevant advertising strategies that highlight the assortment investment and drive retail sales and margin.
• Strong cross functional skills in working with the Marketing, Store Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to communicate their vision and assortment plans to the customer, which results in the business meeting and achieving the financial Plans.
• Build strong relationships across internal organization and with external partners. Communicate in a professional manner and respond with timely and accurate information.
• Provide daily support to all teammates including, but not limited to, Planners, Merchandise Analysts, Buyer Assistants, and Merchandise Coordinators.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years of Buying experience in a department, athletic or specialty store.
• In addition, the ideal Buyer candidate will have performed the following roles in their previous work experience: retail store sales associate, store assistant manager/manager, merchandiser, allocator and/or planner.
• Experience and high skill level in various ERPs.
• Experience and high skill level in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and email software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.

ABOUT WSS:

WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values, and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family. Our store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Vans, Converse, Puma, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.

Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets.

WSS is committed to giving back to the communities we serve, sponsoring or participating in over 350 local events each year. Stay connected to us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and at www.shopwss.com.

WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. WSS is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.