Assistant Buyer - Off Price (Hybrid)

Belk; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Belk is seeking an Off-Price Assistant Buyer to support the off-price strategy and drive sales and profit through analysis of business across channels. The role emphasizes trend tracking, assortment planning, and close collaboration with cross-functional partners to ensure department success.

The position requires leveraging merchandising systems, managing season codes, and developing promotional strategies in partnership with Buyers and DMMs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience using merchandising systems required.
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and present trends, risks, and opportunities from multiple data sources.
• Manage assortment planning by analyzing performance and future needs.
• Utilize merchandising systems to drive orders and results.
• Forecast and verify season codes for promotions and permanent markdowns.
• Develop advertising and promotional strategies with cross-functional teams.
• Analyze data to inform replenishment and cross-channel impact.
• Coordinate image requests and liaise between E-Commerce and vendors.
• Present buying strategy in cross-functional meetings.
• Maintain vendor relationships including Private Brands teams.
• Execute cross-channel marketing decisions and negotiate co-op distribution.

Skills

Merchandising analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Microsoft Office familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workhorse system

Job description

The Off-Price Assistant Buyer will support the off-price strategy under the direction of the Off-Price Buyer, while driving sales and profit through analysis of business for all channels in the organization. The Off-Price Assistant Buyer helps track performance, monitor trends, and assist in executing buys that respond quickly to market shifts. Off-Price Assistant Buyers also work closely with all cross-functional partners to ensure their department's success.

Position will sit onsite Tuesday - Thursday in our New York office.

Essential Functions

• Identify and present trends & risks, resolves issues, and recognizes opportunities for designated areas through analysis of business results from multiple sources
• Manage assortment planning for designated areas by analyzing style performance, and identifying future assortment needs to drive business results
• Utilize merchandising systems to drive business results and place orders
• Analyze, forecast, and ensure season codes are accurate for the promotional and permanent markdown process
• Manage the advertising strategy by projecting advertising sales with Buyer, analyzing event results and creating the assortment and promotional strategy for their designated areas
• Use data and business results, to develop promotional strategies for designated areas with advertising team and DMM that drive profitable sales and communicate compelling messages to customers
• Initiate image requests through Workhorse system to drive sample turn-in
• Maintain vendor relationships, including Private Brands teams for Private Brands offices
• Partner with Buyer/Planner in Monthly Forecast to achieve gross margin, on order receipts, promotions and permanent price changes, and trend changes for designated areas
• Strategize and execute cross-channel marketing decisions, including: review of past effectiveness, planning, negotiating, and securing and entering the distribution of co‑op
• Develop and manage seasonal and monthly visual needs through partnership with the Visual Merchandising team
• Drive the sample process by providing samples and securing images through online content for and being a liaison between E-Commerce and vendors
• Present buying strategy in business meetings with Buying, Planning, Allocation, DMM and other cross functional team members.
• Based on data analysis, make and present recommendations for replenishment and follow up on results for future replenishment opportunities
• React to customer/store feedback in a timely and efficient manner
• Special projects and other duties as assigned
• Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule

Education

• Bachelor's degree required

Work Experience

• Demonstrated experience using merchandising systems required
• Corporate buying office experience OR internal Retail Development Program OR relative wholesale experience (e.g. account executive, sales assistant, retail planner) requiredDemonstrated intermediate-level proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Performs retail math calculations and utilizes formulas for analysis, pricing, and marketing activities
• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills to present in a professional manner and to communicate with all merchandising levels, stores, and vendors
• Ability to collaborate with cross functional teams and work in a team environment
• Strong organization skills
• Capable of shifting to different projects as priorities change
• Proactive mindset
• Curiosity for product and customer insights
• Successfully navigates ambiguity and drives business results regardless of obstacles
• Ability to use corporate retail merchandising systems to support buying activities
• Demonstrated ability to develop recommendations based on trends and data analysis
• Ability to identify market trends and color concepts

Pay Range

$50,000 - $65,000

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.