Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring success in all assigned categories of business for Dylan’s Candy Bar. The candidate develops and implements product strategies and product launches short and long term (3-5 years) and possesses strong analytical skills, can creatively problem solve, and thrives in an entrepreneurial environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with SVP to understand departmental strategies and key goals for the season.
• Completes reports and recaps and communicates trends and financial metrics to key stakeholders including management, and planning team.
• Anticipates inventory opportunities, communicates recommendations, and takes corrective action with the guidance of Director to solve problems and correct deficiencies.
• Assess the company’s buying needs by partnering with Supply Chain teams looking through stock inventories.
• Builds and updates everyday assortment sheets, line plans, and item SKU lists.
• Prepare and maintain reporting and analysis such as best sellers, opportunities, and market reporting by style, category, and door.
• Participate in everyday assortment planning for stores, building strong relationships with retail store managers and cross-functional partners to discover missed opportunities.
• Creates materials for store product knowledge seminars and participates in local training and events.
• Ensures products will meet delivery deadlines for seasonal and everyday sets partnering with procurement to place and manage orders.
• Isolate and follow up with suppliers on products that did not meet quality standard (defects, quality issues)
• Work with Quality Department on product compliance.
• Identify opportunities to cost engineer products, leverage materials, and implement best practices across categories.
• Conduct comparative Studies - Products, costs, and risk.
• Responsible for cost negotiations based on parameters from PD team.
• Presents solutions to SVP relating to out of stocks.
• Discusses warehouse related needs with others in the organization. Example OOS changes to product or hard goods, transfers products for samples or internal needs.
• Additional duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree in retail merchandising or similar function
• 3-5 Years experience in buying/merchandising in a retail or manufacturing organization.
• Must have a proven record of creativity and innovation along with an eye for accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high expectations.
• Strong listening skills with the ability to translate concepts into deliverables.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the willingness to learn new programs including but not limited to AirTable and NetSuite
• Negotiation skills and ability to communicate with vendors in a professional, positive, and proactive way.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing markets
• Travel required to warehouse in tristate area and NYC offsites.
• Appreciation of Dylan’s Candy Bar unique culture, entrepreneurial attitude, heritage and passion for its products