| Location | San Diego, CA |
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe Merchandise Buyer works along side the Merchandise Manager in planning, developing, selecting, managing and purchasing goods that are sold in retail gifts shops at the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and online store, Shopzoo.com for a specific segment of business. Merchandise Buyers and Merchandise Managers are partners in achieving quarterly and annual sales budgets through strategic, well managed assortments and inventory levels. This position reports to the Merchandise Manager.WHAT YOU WILL DO
Creates and communicates purchase orders/reorders, permanent price changes, sign requests, logging orders/receipts, filing mock ups, sample maintenance, etc.Prepares and analyzes style selling reports to implement business decisions regarding reorders, markdowns, and future strategies.Formulates quarterly core and seasonal assortment for 1-2 specified divisions within their segment based on trends and opportunities in alignment with top line plans to meet key metrics.Manages specific divisions or vendors. Communicates and negotiates directly with vendor representative.Partners with vendors, manufacturers, designers to procure and develop brand right custom merchandise. Evaluates vendor options by negotiating price, quality, service, terms, discounts, etc. to determine the best choices for the organization. Forges and maintains vendor relationships.Participates in new product launches, including sku creation, creating purchase orders, sets store distributions and reorder points. Maintains appropriate stock levels through reorders.Ensures the timely delivery of products, compliance with the contracts of purchase, and solves any problems that may arise with the merchandise and/or supplier.Partners with Director of Merchandise Planning to plan, lead, and direct merchandise presentation in assigned categories in conjunction with quarterly plans, special events and promotions.Works closely with Store Managers, Warehouse team, Visual Display, and Inventory Control to maintain open, organized, merchandise coordination. Participates in store walk-throughs at the Zoo and Safari Park several times a month.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?JOB EXPERIENCE
1-3 years prior experience in merchandise buying, retail, or similar role
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
In business administration, merchandising, marketing, art, or a related field.California Driver License Upon Hire
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Must be a self-starter with analytical approach. Works well under pressure with tight deadlines.Must possess a comprehensive understanding of retail math including sales trends, sell thrus, turn, initial mark up, gross margin.Experience in negotiating.Strong interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, and collaborative nature.Experience with product development and market research.Able to operate moderately complex inventory management and purchasing software programs.Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power PointDemonstrated ability to work well in diverse team environment.Excellent written and verbal communication skills while tailoring messages to the appropriate audiences.