Assistant Buyer

Overview

The Assistant Buyer is assisting the Buyer in all facets of product assortment planning, financial planning, and vendor partnerships to maximize corporate sales volume, gross margin, and turnover objectives.

Responsibilities

• Data entry needs for all categories in division including, but not limited to SKU set up, PO entry/maintenance, and overall data accuracy.
• Assist Buyer in purchase order management, vendor interaction, product selection and marketing functions.
• Make any revisions on purchase orders or canceling of purchase orders and notify vendor of changes based on direction from the buyer and planner.
• Notify current vendors of any revisions needed of items and request revised samples.
• Maintain photo database for all SKUs.
• Manage samples ensuring they are properly tagged and organized.
• Follow up with Marketing on all items that are in Kirkland’s boxing as well as each vendor to ensure they receive all needed information.
• Attend all vendor meeting to establish partnerships, document pertinent discussions, and review samples and trend reports
• Follow up on damaged products or packaging issues communicated by stores or warehouse. Notify the buyer of the extent of the problem and determine what actions need to be taken.
• Research comparative prices for items ordered in order to present optimal pricing, market comparison and trend analysis to the buyer
• Track all shipments and estimated times of arrival notifying Buyer of any late shipments to optimize inventory flow and on time product sets
• Recap weekly business metrics identifying successes and opportunities with supporting sales data
• Execute all tasks with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Kirkland’s Values
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Interior Design, or related field preferred. Combination of education and work experience considered.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an accurate and organized manner.
• Strong ability to multi-task and support multiple departments and team members.
• Must be flexible and willing to switch priorities quickly.
• Enjoys working in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to 45 pounds or more on a regular basis
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb and lift to stock and retrieve merchandise samples from stockroom on a regular basis