Corporate Assistant Retail Buyer, Souvenir Hardgoods

• Works closely with the Buyer to develop, implement and manage cohesive product assortments and strategies to meet and exceed revenue, margin and inventory goals.
• Responsible for supporting the daily operations within the designated buying area and developing partnerships with the buyer on all necessary tasks
• Works closely with vendors to track purchase orders, manage inventory flow and ensure good in stock levels while building and maintaining healthy and strong vendor relationships.
• Works closely with the Buyer in developing and executing product assortments, forecasting, purchasing inventory and overall product management including executing entrance and exit strategies for assigned categories of merchandise.
• Utilizes and is proficient in Xanterra’s merchandise management system as well as the Open to Buy system to manage product, purchase orders, forecasting/replenishment, inventory and pricing/promotions.
• Works closely with vendors to track purchase orders, manage inventory flow and ensure good in stock levels while building and maintaining healthy and strong vendor relationships.
• Consistently monitor and analyze business performance for key metrics to review rate of sales, as well as item/category/inventory opportunities to drive actions to support goals.
• Troubleshoots all order/receiving issues with property personnel and distribution center Managers.
• Assists Distribution Centers in monitoring distribution of product between D.C. and stores. Effectively monitor inventory, coordinate transfers and maintain adequate levels of inventory to ensure acceptable inventory turns.
• Works closely with Buyer to develop merchandising planograms and works closely with the Manager of Store Design and Visual Merchandising on communication and execution of product placement, fixture approvals and signage/graphics needs.
• Provide clear communication & collaboration with cross functional teams and vendors while fostering a positive workplace culture and community.
• Complete all new vendor setup and compliance along with vendor updates; coordinates non-compliance chargeback process with properties and corporate A/P.
• Travel to properties as required assisting support staff with store set up, physical inventory, evaluating merchandise mix, and gaining full understanding of property experience and to partner on needs and objectives.
• Work with individual properties to add value to web store selection through addition of new products.
• Attend industry trade shows and vendor showrooms for product sourcing purposes.
• Other duties and projects assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree: Business, Fashion Merchandising or related field is preferred, or associate’s degree + 2 years related procurement/ assistant buying experience.
• Experience in multi-unit retail buying as well as knowledge of the travel, leisure and destination retail segment is a plus
• Previous store operations experience is a plus
• Experience working with inventory management, planning, and data warehouse systems is a plus
• Strong math and analytical skills with a good understanding of retail buying and inventory management analytics with the ability to process large amounts of data
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with team members and key stakeholders
• Understanding of the technical and logistical aspects of product sourcing and custom product development is a plus.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office; Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with the ability to become proficient in internal systems, tools, and programs
• Must be accurate, detail oriented, organized with excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Must be self-motivated, responsible, and able to work independently as well as part of a team

Xanterra