Buyer-Home Environment

The Buyer is responsible for meeting planned sales, margin and inventory turnover goals for their designated area. The objectives will be met through focused merchandise assortments productive marketing and sound merchandise management. The Buyer may have brand management, product development or open market responsibilities. Merchandise is purchased to maximize results while enhancing the overall department, group and company strategy. This position reports directly to the Division Merchandise Manager or General Merchandise Manager and has management responsibility for Associate Buyers and Buyers Assistants. This position works closely with the management team, merchandise planning team, promotional planning team, merchandise placement team and the merchandising support team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.

Responsibilities
* Executes sales, margin and inventory plans
* Monitors performance versus plan to identify trend opportunities
* Manages all aspects of the merchandise offering - selection, negotiation, promotion and disposition
* Develops customer driven assortments that support departmental goals and key item focus
* Provides collaborative guidance, direction and support to the planning organization in the development of merchandise, key item and ladder plans
* Ensures the merchandise selection matches customer needs, customer orientation and satisfaction
* Ensures merchandise mix balances quantity, style, size and price consistent with company and individual market requirements
* Develops line strategies
* Prepares for and presents products at Assortment Reviews/Style Outs, Line and Business Reviews
* Attends relevant trade shows, markets and events to observe market trends, gather product information, selects merchandise and establish business relationships with viable vendors
* Visits stores to evaluate merchandise mix, observes competition, weighs individual store needs and translate findings into executable product plans
* Manages integration with Product Development regarding design, sourcing and brand development
* Establishes collaborative relationships with placement to ensure availability and the timely delivery of merchandise
* Develops and maintains relationships with vendors. Interacts with the vendor community within Sears' standards and codes of ethics
* Manages vendor performance to maximize profitability and achieve financial objectives
* Selects products to maximize return of advertising expenses. Partners with marketing team to reconcile marketing plans and promotional calendar. Monitors and maintains promotional performance
* Partners with the planner to complete accurate forecasts by evaluating financial information, current trends and anticipated market changes that impact buy decisions and strategies
* Coaches and develops Associate Buyers, Assistant Buyers and Buyer Apprentices to ensure growth and readiness for next level position.
* Drives compliance and standards with processes, policies, tools, and associates within the group
* Ensures promotional execution accuracy (pricing, signage, etc.)
Skill/Experience Requirements
* Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university; or four years related experience and/ or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
* Strong merchandising, product and analytical skills
* Demonstrated leadership and decision making skills
* Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs
* Retail math literacy and application of concepts to daily operations
* 3-5 years in related buying experience or 5-7 years with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilities
* Strong working knowledge of merchant processes and systems.

EEO EMPLOYER