Buyer

Since 1982, our focus has been on bringing our customers a constant stream of high quality department and specialty store brands at extraordinary savings a.k.a. bargains, while providing an easy, fun and organized shopping experience.

The Buyer will be responsible for managing their specific product division which includes the selection, purchase and delivery of merchandise which adheres to the merchandise philosophy of quality, price, fashion and brand.

* Manages opportunistic buying responsibility (based on vendors or classifications) and accountability for sales and margin performance. * Manages receipts in terms of balancing assortments and flexing from flow versus packaway. * Demonstrates fiscal responsibility in negotiating for packaway goods to offset additional costs of storing merchandise (e.g. additional dating, vendors holding merchandise etc.). * Provides on-going analysis and interpretation of key business issues. This includes monitoring regional merchandise reports (i.e., Cold & Warm Store Strategies), Open-to-Buy monitoring, stock analysis and other ad hoc analysis. * Proactively networks with vendors regarding available merchandise and will negotiate directly on purchases. This includes frequent visits to showrooms, selecting product and handling negotiations, either independently or in conjunction with their supervisor. * Shops all competing and Ross/dd’s stores to identify opportunities, trends and labels.

* Requires a minimum of 4 – 6 years retail merchandising buying experience. * Must have extensive vendor negotiation and interaction. * Experience with close-out or opportunistic buying preferred. * Thorough knowledge of merchandising and technical aspects of merchandising (e.g., fabric, design, silhouettes, etc.). * Strong negotiation skills. * Strong analytical and conceptual skills. * Recent experience in product categories. * Ability to partner and influence vendors/cross-functional partners. * Highly effective written and verbal communication skills. * Strong retail math skills. * Strong PC skills, with an emphasis on spreadsheet applications.