Outstanding owner and operator of shopping clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean seeks candidate to be responsible for supporting the Buyer in product selection, assortment planning, vendor management, pricing management and promotional activities. This role requires a keen understanding of the retail landscape, market trends, and inventory management to assess products, recommend adjustments, and provide strategic input. The Assistant Buyer works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of promotional, seasonal, and merchandising plans while maintaining a focus on financial objectives and product quality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Product Selection & Assortment Planning: • Assess product samples and provide feedback to vendors to aid in the development and selection of new items. • Manage the set-up and approval process for new vendors, ensuring compliance with company standards. • Supervise the setup and approval process for new items, ensuring accurate and timely updates on key product information (e.g., first costs, discounts, payment terms, status codes). • Monitor SKU reports and recommend adjustments to optimize SKU selection and inventory performance. • Ensure all products and packaging meet negotiated specifications and quality standards through proper documentation and inspections/audits before they reach the sales floor.
Vendor Management: • Maintain strong relationships with existing vendors and assist in onboarding new vendors.
Human Resources: • Communicate regularly with suppliers to gather product information, assist in negotiating costs, and secure promotional support. • Plan and communicate seasonal and promotional calendars with vendors to ensure timely delivery of merchandise and promotions, optimizing sell-through rates.
Trade Expertise & Market Research: • Assist the Buyer by attending and following up on trade shows, communicating with vendors, and providing market insights. • Conduct ongoing market research and provide input to the Buyer on purchasing decisions, staying up to date with industry trends. • Monitor competitor activities through comp shop reports and offer recommendations to maintain competitive advantage.
Pricing & Margin: • Support pricing activities by monitoring weekly pricing reports and managing new item pricing targets. • Manage replenishment merchandise margins to ensure financial goals are met. • Stay informed on competitor pricing strategies and adjust cost savings or selling price to remain competitive.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Collaborate effectively with key departments, including Logistics, Operations, and Compliance, by preparing and distributing merchandise reports and bulletins (e.g., new item reports, line review recaps, program timelines). • Serve as a liaison between buying, logistics, and other teams to ensure smooth execution of merchandising plans.
Promotion Planning: • In collaboration with the Buyer, plan a promotional calendar aligned with seasonal trends and aimed at maximizing sales. • Negotiate promotional contracts with vendors and coordinate with the forecasting/replenishment team to ensure successful execution of promotions, with appropriate inventory levels.
Financial & Budget Management: • Assist in planning rotational calendars, new item launches, and seasonal merchandise programs by analyzing financial data, including sales/margin projections and Open to Buy (OTB).