Associate Buyer

Associate Buyer:

L & J. G. Stickley, Inc. (Stickley) is a vertically integrated American furniture manufacturer and retailer, with brands that are respected and cherished worldwide. Operating for over 120 years in furniture manufacturing, and more than 90 years as a furniture retailer, Stickley (www.stickley.com) is the proud employer of nearly 900 talented individuals. We have three manufacturing facilities, multiple corporate-owned retail showrooms, and a global distribution network.

Position Overview:

The Associate Buyer for Stickley Furniture | Mattress plays a pivotal role in supporting merchandise managers and the overall merchandise strategy across a range of product categories. This team member is integral to daily functions of the retail business but is highly involved in shaping future merchandise efforts, identifying opportunities for new products or retail sales concepts, and instrumental in executing showroom reset and merchandising initiatives. The Associate Buyer plays a cross-functional role; supporting buyers, informing merchandising operations, and educating and collaborating with the retail teams in the Stickley Furniture | Mattress showrooms. The role requires big-picture thinking geared towards business development and innovation, and the ability to be detail oriented and precise with daily operational functions.

Qualifications:

• Experience or background in retail, retail furniture, or interior design (or related industry).
• Current knowledge of trends in interior design and/or fashion is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to success.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Outlook, Word, Excel) and knowledge of software tools and multi-line phones systems are required.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and juggle multiple projects at once while being detail oriented is vital to success.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills are imperative in a customer-centric environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel to showrooms is essential.
• Proficient skills (or the willingness to learn) in AutoCAD, Revit or room-planner software is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

• To support the Merchandise Managers, the Associate Buyer assists in purchase order entry and re-ordering of goods to maintain proper inventory levels within the showrooms and warehouses. In addition, the Associate Buyer is responsible for analyzing Merchandising Reports to assist the buying and merchandising team in making profitable buying decisions across product categories for the Stickley Furniture | Mattress retail division.
• To inform Merchandise Managers and Merchandising Operations, the Associate Buyer will be pivotal to informing the teams of current retail trends by performing regular market analysis in each of the Stickley Furniture | Mattress retail trading areas with support of Regional Retail Management.
• In support of the Showroom Planning and Buying teams, the Associate Buyer will assist in floor planning and product assortment and is expected to work in the field to ensure proper buying/merchandising vision is implemented during showroom re-sets or openings.
• In support of the Showroom General Managers and Designers, the Associate Buyer is needed to answer the occasional product question. Ability to communicate effectively is key.
• Administrative duties for this role include but are not limited to; on-boarding of new vendors, order entry, service related/damaged goods processing, product transfers, and set-up of major sale events.
• Display a professional attitude and represent Stickley Furniture | Mattress with integrity and professionalism while working with showroom employees and various corporate team members.
• Report to the Senior Merchandise Manager for direction, support, and coaching. Effectively communicate all operational, merchandise, and client concerns to the appropriate parties.

Benefits:

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) Program
• Paid Holidays
• Group health, prescription drug, dental insurance coverage
• Company paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible spending account
• Generous employee discount

Stickley is an equal opportunity employer. www.stickley.com and www.shopstickley.com