Apparel Buyer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Work with planner to develop and attains budgeted sales, gross margin, and market share for assigned category. Locate and select assortment for the enterprise and manages vendor relationships to maximize sales, margin and minimize cost. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and communicate corporate strategic category plans with focus on division's needs
• Maintain an awareness of current sales trends and assesses impact on business needs
• Create business plan for the category and communicates to divisions
• Create end-to-end sales plan, display plans and ad plans customized for each division
• Maintain division specific ESPs
• Review sales, profit and promotional performance by division
• Locate and select new products
• Price merchandise under IMU pricing or other corporate pricing strategies, maintaining competitiveness while maximizing sales and profit potential; coordinates with pricing analyst on competitive price checks and following corporate pricing strategies
• Manage vendor relationship for the enterprise, including negotiating vendor allowances and payment terms
• Review vendor stock status against period estimates and orders, as necessary
• Develop Kroger-specific selling programs for category
• Partner with Planner on financial planning, vendor financial plans and strategies
• Participate in floor planning and planogramming processes
• Maintain comprehensive awareness of industry trends, competitive landscape across the enterprise and regional needs
• Conduct store tours across the enterprise
• Develop advertising campaigns; selects merchandise to advertise
• Work with Product Development team to establish, buy, and market private label product
• Develop Corporate Brand strategy and implements in all markets, including procured product lines in assigned categories
• Support and assists with research and resolution for bi-way requests
• Maintain debit voucher form
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports
• Travel independently on a regular basis
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field plus two years combined Assistant Buyer and Assistant Planner experience; or combination of relevant education and experience
• Accuracy/attention to detail
• Ability to organize/prioritize tasks/projects
• Familiarity with retail industry/technical terms and processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to continue education

• Familiarity with commodity markets
• Experience directing/participating on project teams