Buyer

Michaels Stores; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michaels Stores is seeking a seasoned Buyer to manage day-to-day buying and product selection across assigned categories. You will align assortment with category goals, work with vendors, planning, allocation, and marketing to drive performance and profitability.

You will lead category strategy, negotiate with national suppliers, optimize space and pricing, and oversee a small team of independent contributors in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of merchandising experience.
• Proven Retail Buyer experience.
• Ability to lead a category team and drive results.
• Strategic analytical and collaborative skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Experience with supplier and price management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the category strategy for assigned pod.
• Negotiate prices and terms with national brand suppliers.
• Coordinate with sourcing, planning, and marketing to drive performance.
• Oversee item selection and merchandise presentation.
• Monitor cost and retail changes across channels.
• Lead a small team of independent contributors.

Skills

Merchandising

Negotiations

Analytics

Leadership

Cross-functional

Job description

The Buyer is responsible for managing the day-to-day buying and product selection for assigned categories. This role ensures that merchandise aligns with category goals, supports business growth, and meets customer expectations. The Buyer works closely with vendors, planning, allocation, and marketing teams to drive performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Strategy:

• Develop and own the overall category strategy for your assigned pod.
• Contribute to the team's overall category strategy by providing data and insights on market performance.
• Assist with performance analysis and competitive shopping to help inform strategic decisions.
• Support the execution of the brand strategy as directed by category leaders.
• Assist in the vendor strategy by providing support for partner negotiations and communications.
• Negotiate prices and terms with national brand suppliers to secure the best value for the company
• Partner with sourcing team to ensure IMU goals are communicated and met.
• Responsible for item selection and coordinate with the team on space and merchandise presentation.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategy to support assortment architecture
• Optimize space & merch presentation to ensure products are showcased effectively.
• Partner with sourcing team to ensure IMU goals are communicated and met.

Price Management:

• Oversee and track cost changes and retail changes as directed by the Senior Buyer.
• Ensure all price updates are accurately reflected across all channels and systems.
• Partner with pricing team to ensure retails are competitive in the market
• Monitor and communicate results against financial plans based on performance and market trends.
• Partner with Planning teams to establish financial plans to deliver on sales and GM
• Partner with Inventory Management to optimize inventory.

Team Management:

• Oversee small team of independent contributors, contributing to their growth and development
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver on business results

Qualifications:

• 6+ years of merchandising experience, exhibiting progressively responsible assignments
• Proven experience as a Retail Buyer or similar role in the retail industry
• Able to successfully lead a category team and drive desired business results
• Advanced strategic and analytical skills to grow a business
• Advanced collaboration skills to partner with cross-functional teams
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills
• Flexible, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong experience in supplier and price management.

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.