Skills & Competencies for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

Merchandise Buyer, Sr. job profile

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JOB SUMMARY for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

Selects merchandise for order, places order, and stays involved in inventory distribution.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

Reviews success of previous orders to determine extent to which inventory should be replenished. Researches new trends or advances in product lines to make appropriate buying decisions. Functions as a decision maker with orders of a larger and more complex scope.

Merchandise Buyer, Sr. SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$147,493
TOTAL 50%
$164,822
Job Level
P04
Job Code
SM15000258
Education/Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Reports To
Supervisor or Manager

Merchandise Buyer, Sr. 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, Sr. skill and competencie below to view definitions.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES CORE COMPETENCIES
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8 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

1 Industry Competency – Retail Industry
Proficiency Level -2
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)
Supports the implementation of standard procedures and store protocols to ensure smooth retail operations.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works closely with merchandising teams to create visually appealing displays and maximize product visibility.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Supervises the team in conducting market analysis and competitor research to gain a competitive advantage.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Promotes the use of e-commerce platforms and retail channels to drive online sales and customer engagement.
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2 Industry Competency – Merchandising
Proficiency Level -2
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, Sr. - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 5

3 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

1 Job Family Competencies – Cost Control
Proficiency Level -3
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 -2
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, Sr. - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 5

10 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Merchandise Buyer, Sr.

1 Core Competencies – Scheduling
Proficiency Level -3
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)
Cites examples of effective scheduling skills, including data entry, customer service, and appointment setting.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Documents different kinds of communications related to work schedules, such as memos, emails, and reports.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Administers phone calls and emails to respond to customers' inquiries regarding upcoming or scheduled appointments.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Collaborates with workforce management professionals to integrate scheduling optimization tools.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Authorizes the planning schedules of companies and organizations that operate in various industries.
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2 Core Competencies – Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Proficiency Level -3
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)
Cites examples of KPIs applied at individual, team, and organizational levels.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Compiles and updates KPI data to show impact on productivity.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates KPI-related initiatives such as what, why, and how to ensure transparency.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Consults on using KPI for business review and forecasting.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of KPI-based management to promote high-performance culture.
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3 Merchandise Buyer, Sr. - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandise Buyer, Sr.
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Merchandise Buyer, Sr. skills and competencies

There are 8 hard skills for Merchandise Buyer, Sr., Retail Industry, Merchandising, Merchandise Quality and Compliance, etc.
3 general skills for Merchandise Buyer, Sr., Cost Control, Reverse Logistics, Strategic Sourcing.
10 soft skills for Merchandise Buyer, Sr., Scheduling, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Financial Acumen, etc.
While the list totals 21 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, Sr., he or she needs to be skilled in Scheduling, be skilled in Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and be skilled in Financial Acumen.

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