Title: MERCHANDISE BUYER
Job Title Description: Senior Assistant Buyer, Men's Apparel and Accessories
Business Unit: Higher Education Group
Location: ILLINOIS (OAK BROOK)
Requisition Number: fheg-00005915
Job Type: Regular
Business Unit Profile:
Follett Higher Education
We help institutions, administrators, faculty and students achieve a shared goal: to fully realize the powerful benefits of higher education..
From a small community college to a large state university system, from the heartland to the inner city, from the East Coast to the West, across Canada and the United States, the needs and requirements of institutions of higher learning are as individual as the students they teach. We are the nation's largest operator of college bookstores, generating more than $2.0 billion in annual sales at more than 830 locations. We also are the industry's premier wholesale book distributor-a leader in helping students manage the increasing cost of a college education. Whether it's a brand-new sweatshirt with a college logo or a used calculus textbook, Follett has always been the place to go. And as more and more shoppers go online, Follett is there as well-efollett.com is now one of the largest online retailers on the Internet.
Responsibilities:
The Senior Assistant Buyer of Men's Apparel and Accessories is responsible for assisting the Buyer with all functions related to product section, analysis, execution, and communication to support company merchandise strategy and goals.
In addition, this position is responsible for in-depth analysis and management of key categories identified by senior leadership for each season.
Specific Responsibilities:
Category Management
Performs in-depth analysis and management of key categories identified by senior leadership for each season, including direct contact and negotiation with vendors and follow-through on execution with Planners and stores.
Works closely with Merchandise Control team to maintain style, SKU and pricing information in MMS.
Tracks and updates New Business Plan report on a quarterly basis while monitoring sales trends of each vendor to ensure execution of plan to achieve sales goals.
Prepares weekly sales reports for distribution to General Merchandise and Operations management teams.
Analyzes sales using reporting tools (JDA MMS and RetailIDEAS) as needed for seasonal assortment reviews, vendor reviews, internal/external presentations, test programs, and additional reporting as necessary to support sales and merchandise strategy.
Executes purchase orders for test and seasonal programs.
Buyer Support
Assists in print catalog proofing and corrections, verifies that pricing and vendor information is accurate in MMS, and proofreads correspondence letters.
Assists in the development and promotional materials and Promotions in Place (PIP) write-ups.
Maintains and organizes vendor samples of approved assortment styles for current season and also manages biannual Home Office Sample Sale.
Planning and Allocation Team Support
Acts as the point person for special requests from Planners, including new style and graphic requests.
Places orders and/or works closely with the Planning team on special seasonal buys.
Communicates vendor/product information to Planning and Allocation teams, including assortment plans, graphics and lead times.
Vendor Relationship Management
Continually communicates with vendors regarding product, pricing, minimums, terms, graphics, shipping, labor code compliance, barcoding, digital imagery, and other vendor related concerns.
Conducts presentation of sales reports in all vendor meetings with specific feedback on sales trends and best sellers.
Corresponds with prospective vendors on an ongoing basis and communicates status in review process.
Updates and distributes assortment plans, term sheets and correspondence letters to vendors.
Mentors and provides training to Assistant Buyer, including reporting tools (JDA MMS and RetailIDEAS), communication protocol and other job functions
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required; preferred field of study is Business or Fashion Merchandising.
1-2 years of experience as an Assistant Buyer or equivalent experience in a retail environment required.
Intermediate experience using JDA MMS and RetailIDEAS or similar retail reporting system required.
Must be proficient in MS Office with intermediate Excel skills.
Must possess superior oral and written communication skills.
Ability to engage in periodic travel to bookstore locations for store visits and to support home game athletic events.
Interest in college athletic is required.
Follett provides a competitive, comprehensive and cost-effective benefits program that includes:
Three Medical Options (Health Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account, HMO).
Two Dental Options (PPO, DMO) .
Vision Discount Program
Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependant Care.
Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan (dollar for dollar match up to 4%).
Two Weeks Paid Vacation After One Year (one week in the first year after six months) .
100% Tuition Reimbursement for Manager Approved Career-Enhancing Courses.
100% Matching of Qualified Charitable Donations.
Store Discounts on Books and Merchandise.
Eleven Paid Holidays (8 Observed Holidays, 3 Personal Days).
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer welcoming individuals with diverse talents and backgrounds.