Skills & Competencies for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

Merchandise Buyer Assistant job profile

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JOB SUMMARY for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

Assists merchandise buyers in selecting merchandise, placing orders, and distributing inventory.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

May be responsible for some inventory replenishment but without open-to-buy responsibilities.

Merchandise Buyer Assistant SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$59,680
TOTAL 50%
$60,005
Job Level
P01
Job Code
SM15000254
Education/Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Reports To
Supervisor

Merchandise Buyer Assistant Skills and Competencies List

Proficiency Levels and Behavioural Indicators
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Merchandise Buyer Assistant skill and competencie below to view definitions.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES CORE COMPETENCIES
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7 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

1 Industry Competency – Retail Industry
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Applying comprehensive knowledge of retail principles, inventory management, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior to effectively manage and operate retail businesses.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Names commonly used tools and systems for processing transactions and managing retail inventory levels.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Records and reports customer feedback to assist in optimizing retail offerings and improving service quality.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Utilizes advanced software and technology to automate and optimize retail operations.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Oversees inventory control and supply chain processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize costs.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Leads omnichannel optimization initiatives to ensure a seamless and integrated customer journey.
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2 Industry Competency – Merchandising
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Strategically planning, executing, and managing product merchandising, pricing, and promotions to increase customer engagement and maximize revenue.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists the factors to consider for determining and setting appropriate pricing for merchandise.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Supports the planning and execution of promotional campaigns to drive customer engagement and sales.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works closely with the marketing and other retail teams to develop promotional campaigns for various product lines.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Oversees the development and implementation of store layouts to ensure product visibility and increase sales.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Recommends advanced retail layout and design systems to maximize merchandising results across sales locations.
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3 Merchandise Buyer Assistant - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 5

4 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

1 Job Family Competencies – Cost Control
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Managing and analyzing financial data in determining and reducing business expenses to increase revenue and profitability.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists and names the functionality and use of a system for cost controls.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Tracks and documents the preparation of departmental cost control reports.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works with the team to control costs and optimize financial processes.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Validates that proper control measures are in place to meet business and financial objectives.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Leads continuous improvement efforts to support annual goals of cost control for the organization.
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2 Job Family Competencies – Reverse Logistics
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Developing techniques and processes to manage the distribution and determine the appropriate course of action for returned products.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists the tools and technologies used to optimize the efficiency of reverse logistics operations.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Supports the inventory management of returned products within our organization's reverse logistic operations.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Prepares the tracking codes for returned items to monitor their shipment during the reverse logistical process.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Oversees the analysis of returned items to identify if the product is eligible for refund, repair, or for disposal.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Stays current and adapts the industry trends on techniques to improve the efficiency of reverse logistic operations.
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3 Merchandise Buyer Assistant - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 5

8 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Merchandise Buyer Assistant

1 Core Competencies – Scheduling
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Ability to plan and organize activities, tasks, and resources to achieve business goals and objectives within timeframe and budget.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Names the distinct types of schedules, including conceptual schedules and master schedules.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Selects the appropriate method to schedule appointments, encompassing electronic or written styles.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Verifies the availability of involved participants for scheduled meetings to ensure complete attendance.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Provides workforce management scheduling and load balancing requirements for work peaks.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Develops standards, metrics, and procedures to maximize scheduling management efficiency.
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2 Core Competencies – Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Proficiency Level -1
Skill definition-Knowledge of and ability to apply a set of quantifiable measurements to determine how effectively an individual, team or organization is achieving a business objective.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists some typical KPIs from own industry, business, and function.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Produces standard and ad-hoc KPI reports following standard procedures.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Maintains an organized data management process to track progress on KPIs.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Leverages the Business Intelligence (BI) technologies and tools for KPI reporting and analysis.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of current organizational KPI architecture.
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3 Merchandise Buyer Assistant - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer Assistant
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Merchandise Buyer Assistant skills and competencies

There are 7 hard skills for Merchandise Buyer Assistant, Retail Industry, Merchandising, Merchandise Quality and Compliance, etc.
4 general skills for Merchandise Buyer Assistant, Cost Control, Reverse Logistics, Inventory Control, etc.
8 soft skills for Merchandise Buyer Assistant, Scheduling, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Attention to Detail, etc.
While the list totals 19 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Merchandise Buyer Assistant, he or she needs to be proficient in Scheduling, be proficient in Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and be proficient in Attention to Detail.

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