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.

What you will do

• 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

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• 1-3 years of retail experience Required
• 1-3 years in retail buying Required

Skills and 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.)

* The job posting highlights the most relevant / essential responsibilities and requirements of the role. It is not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this job.

Benefits we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with Matching Contribution
• Generous PTO
• Merchandise Discounts
• Paid Maternity and Paternal Leave
• Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Education and Tuition Reimbursement Programs

*Benefit eligibility dependent on role and/or full-time/part-time status

Your career. Your runway.

At Belk, we’re focused on what matters most to our customers and associates. We try new things and adapt quickly. Whether showcasing emerging fashion trends or embracing new ways of doing business, we approach our work with curiosity and a problem-solving mentality. We've been doing that for more than 135+ years and continue to evolve!

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Belk is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, hair style, hair texture, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.