Buyer Assistant Merchandising - Zale
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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 primary responsibility of the Assistant Buyer is to assist their Buyer on all aspects of the job or step in as needed to help with Merchandise Coordinator/Detail Assistant duties. They are responsible for sourcing and developing product, pricing product, determining assortment groups, forecasting order quantities, and participating in competitive shops. Partner with Marketing to coordinate samples and complete marketing submissions. Weekly reporting and departmental reports.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Product Development
Develop understanding/knowledge base of the Jewelry Category
Work with the Buyer to learn the elements of merchandising as it applies to their position
Overall understanding and maintenance of their merchandise category, in conjunction with the Buyer
Identify sales trends, develop new product designs for testing and assortment opportunities
Attend vendor meetings and actively participate in selection and review of product. Be the point person for meeting notes and follow-up.
Instrumental in determining various marketing vehicles, SKU selection, new merchandise programs, sales trends, and assortments which lead to sales growth and overall productivity in their area
Be jointly accountable for the success of their specific merchandise category with regards to sales, inventory levels & gross margin goals, which are established by Management
Participate in on-going Competitive Shopping from an omni-channel lens. Review our assortments as well as competitor to ascertain opportunities and advantages.
Ability to adjust quickly to changing market trends, conditions, priorities, and corporate strategies
Assortment / Inventory Management
Setup sku’s, descriptions, retails and packaging attributes
Assist Buyer with Assortment Development - Work with Planners and Inventory Analysts to set program parameters (i.e. product attributes, assortment size, targeted inventory and turn levels, open-to-buy requirements)
Monitor and help develop forecasted sales quantities for marketing items and new programs in conjunction with the Inventory Analyst and Buyer
Communicate and manage with vendors re: product qualities, costs, terms/ownership, delivery dates, return of merchandise requests
Establish retail prices in line with margin requirements
Responsible for updating departmental category assortment sheets, reporting, and analysis
Collaboration
Proofing of all advertising materials to ensure accuracy including catalogs, emails, web site, customer mailings, and in store signage
Merchandise items for all marketing channels, which are innovative and competitive within the marketplace
Attend open-to-buy meetings and provide merchandise status updates as needed
Complete and submit Project Request Forms and develop store communications
Work in collaboration with Visual Merchandising team for in-store presentations (planograms)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising or related field preferred
Required or Acceptable Job-Related Experience: 1+ year prior buying experience preferred
Years of Job-Related Experience Required: 1+ 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, & 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:
We believe in rewarding top talent with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance:
✔ Premium Healthcare Coverage – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family covered.
✔ 401(k) with Company Match – Invest in your future with a generous retirement savings plan, including company matching after just one year.
✔ Generous Time Off – Recharge with a robust PTO package, plus company holidays.
✔ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs – Be part of a culture that celebrates diverse perspectives and fosters belonging.
✔ Career Growth & Development – Opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
✔ Exclusive Perks – Enjoy additional benefits, wellness programs, employee discounts, and more!