POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist Merchants with the planning, procurement, and profitability and productivity assessment of assigned categories. Provide data to support the analysis of category/product success, market trends, and vendor communication and negotiations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Work closely with assigned Merchant to provide assistance in the evaluation of product, pricing, cost, promotion, and inventory strategies, make recommendations that result in increased sales, improved profitability, and reinforce brand image.

· Actively monitor inventory levels, working with assigned Merchant to achieve optimal category-appropriate balance between inventory availability, holding costs, and anticipated demand.

· Provide reports to support the identification, evaluation and tracking of retail and consumer market trends. Will be expected to provide preliminary data analysis and use creativity to both address changes in the market, and be at the forefront of new trends.

· Possess the ability to make well thought out recommendations which result in the improved productivity of categories, continuously monitoring results and quickly terminate/adjust programs not meeting expectations.

· Continuously consider and evaluate existing policies and practices, ensuring policies and practices are effective, current, and mirror industry best practices, when applicable.

· Develop positive, professional relationships with vendors and service providers, establishing the foundation for effective negotiation to drive improved profitability and competitive edge.

· Work with assigned Merchant to assess, evaluate, and make recommendations on the incorporation of existing and new vendors and products, using knowledge and judgement to make reasonable and supportable decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Working knowledge of gross margins, turns, GMROI, inventory control, shrinkage, and markdowns.

· Past retail experience. Hardware experience preferred.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate product and shipping information with the public, vendors and personnel at all levels at the organization.

What We Offer:

· Medical

· Dental

· Paid Time Off

· 401K with company match

· Group Life Insurance

· Health Savings Account

· Employee Discount