Associate Buyer, Hybrid

Belk; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Belk in Charlotte, NC seeks an Associate Buyer to drive merchandise strategy and assortments for a key business area. You will contribute to purchase decisions, collaborate with planners, and optimize open-to-buy processes to achieve sales, margin, and turn targets.

The role requires 1–3 years of retail buying experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Excel and other MS Office tools. This position operates in a designated hybrid in-office schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 1-3 years of retail buying experience required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in business software (Microsoft Excel, Word, Windows).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans to meet financial goals.
• Collaborate on merchandising financial plans and by-door plans.
• Negotiate best costs and delivery with vendors.
• Analyze sales performance and market data to identify opportunities.
• Travel to markets and stores as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Merchandising knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Windows OS

Job description

Associate Buyers are responsible for a select part of the Buyer’s overall business and must drive the merchandise strategy and assortments for this part of the business with the goal of meeting or exceeding sales, margin and turn targets. An Associate Buyer, with support from the Buyer, is responsible for the purchase and negotiation of merchandise for their business areas as well as the open to buy process. Associate Buyers partner with Planners to develop strategies to maximize business opportunities. Associate Buyers partner with the Assistant Planner to appropriately manage orders and analyze business trends.

Essential Functions:
Develop and execute merchandise strategies and assortment plans, based on customer feedback and preferences, to deliver financial goals and business objectives
Collaborate with Buyer and Planner on development of merchandise financial plans and by-door plans by providing regular and timely input; assist in building clusters and determining assortment layers
Build and maintain strong partnerships with vendors
Select merchandise; negotiate best costs and delivery of product
Identify business opportunities and risks in-season through analyzing sales performance and gathering marketplace information; implement strategies to ensure plans are achieved
Analyze the business to identify trends and capitalize on opportunities
Execute advertising strategies
Build a high-quality merchant team by developing partnerships, leading, coaching and providing constructive feedback
Travels to all necessary markets and store trips
Builds and maintains productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant team
Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
Reacts to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
Maintains professionalism in work relationships and habits
Provides direction, counseling and coaching to staff
Develops creative solutions to business issues
Works effectively with staff and Divisional/BSS management to achieve sound financial and merchandising solutions based on analysis, input and experience
Identifies emerging trends and shops competition and market regularly
Communicates effectively with stores and vendors
Requires designated hybrid in-office work schedule

Education:
Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent years of experience

Work Experience:
1-3 years of retail buying experience required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Is highly organized and able to multitask
Builds and maintains productive relationships with peers and members of the merchant team
Demonstrates leadership and decision-making skills
Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
Analyzes business to the lowest level to identify opportunities in sales, inventory, and margin by store, department, and class
Reacts to business trends in a timely and efficient manner
Adapts to shifting circumstances in a business environment
Possesses strong merchandising, product and marketing skills
Proficient in business-related computer software (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, etc.)

Additional Job Description

Pay Range
$56,000 - $90,000

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.

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