Buyer II - Zales

We have many opportunities available on our other career site pages. Click here to link to our careers page! Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating more than 2,800 stores worldwide under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Rocksbox, JamesAllen.com and Diamonds Direct. We are a people-first company and this core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. People – and the love their actions inspire – are what drive us. We’re not only proud of the love we inspire outside our walls, we’re especially proud of the diversity, inclusion and equity we’re inspiring inside. There are dynamic career paths awaiting you – rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others and inspire love. Join us! JOB SUMMARY: The responsibility of the Buyer II is to develop merchandise assortments and strategies to drive profitable category sales and productivity, while ensuring product value, quality, and styling. The Buyer holds a leadership role within the category management team (CMT). Working within the CMT, the Buyer is responsible for all aspects of assortment planning, selection, maintenance, and promotion, for designated product categories. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Category Management Partner with Leader to set strategic vision for Category Ability to adjust quickly, if needed, to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies Analyze and React to Business on a weekly basis Participate in the development of financial plans and advertising/marketing plans for designated product categories Assist in all business reviews for all designated product categories to Leadership Oversee training and career development for Direct Reports / Team Product Development Develop, select, test, price and acquire quality merchandise consistent with consumer demand, and in keeping with strategic department goals and policies Up-to-date knowledge of jewelry market trends and competitive strategies Develop new product concepts/brands for test market(s), with potential for expanded store roll out Manage Lifecycle Management process from idea inception through Clearance and end of life Strategic handling of vendor base with ability to find and develop strong vendor partners Assortment / Inventory Management Understanding of Product cost structure Co-Manage and plan merchandising assortments for e-commerce/web sites Work with Inventory Analyst to ensure proper in-stock levels Manage negotiations relating to the return of discontinued product(s) to appropriate supplier Negotiate annual purchasing agreement contracts with vendors. Collaboration Coordinate efforts with the marketing, visual display and advertising departments to promote and market, key items, programs/brands and categories Merchandise all marketing channel items for designated product categories. Present and justify all catalog/promotional items to merchandise directors and vice presidents. Partner with Sourcing on factory selection and cost negotiation Partner with Financial Planning team on open-to-buy for assigned product categories When applicable; work directly with Signet’s accounting department to ensure credits/aging are applied correctly Assist CMT with issues on vendor performance, including late orders and quality control issues Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage Work with Visual Merchandising team on in-store presentations (planograms) Cross-functional work with Store Op, VM, DC team and Planning on various projects including test, expansions, recalls POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field preferred Required or Acceptable Job-Related Experience: 3 years’ experience prior buying experience Years of Job-Related Experience Required: 3 years Technical/Other Skills Required: Ability to travel both nationally and internationally to attend trade shows, vendor appointments and to view markets. Occasional weekend travel as needed. Computer skills with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), negotiation skills, attention to detail and accuracy, organizational skills, and math skills (ability to work with numbers and analyze data) Ability to be metal free and work in a metal free environment, when necessary, based on security policy Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Ability to work independently as well as a team Ability to demonstrate leadership skills Ability to work in the office and remote as required BENEFITS & PERKS: Competitive healthcare, dental & vision insurance 401(k) matching after one year of employment Generous time off company holidays Merchandise discount Learning & Development programs Much more! Signet Jewelers is a people-first company. This core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. We're ONE Company, proud of our rich heritage, international presence, diversity, inclusion and equity we’re inspiring inside. We are Great Place to Work-Certified™ operating under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Piercing Pagoda and James Allen.