Men's Associate Buyer

Summary

Teammates in the role of Men's Associate Buyer play a key role in the buying process, working closely with vendors, evaluating products, negotiating prices, and analyzing sales trends to drive optimal product performance. This role combines hands-on purchasing activities with strategic decision-making to align product selections with Buckle's financial objectives and market trends. Associate Buyers demonstrate independent thinking, teamwork, and leadership while contributing to the overall success of their category or brand.

On-site at our Men's buying office located in Overland Park, Kansas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This description intends to describe the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties, responsibilities and qualifications. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Product Selection and Buying

• Develop cross-category expertise to effectively collaborate with other with Teammates and contribute to the buying strategy.
• Act as a proactive leader within a category team, collaborating on daily tasks and long-term projects.
• Participate in product selection and provide insights for purchasing decisions in assinged catergories.
• Evaluate product samples during fit sessions, documenting feedback and relaying details to vendors.
• Contribute confidently to product developmetn discussions, considering all aspects of the buying process.
• Travel to markets and competing retailers to identify trends and source products, as needed.
• Conduct comprehensive trend research, analyze guest preferences, and monitor competitor activities to inform purchasing strategies.

Vendor Relationship Management

• Manage vendor communications, including order placement, price negotiations, and issue resolution.
• Conduct vendor performance evaluations and recommend improvements when necessary.

Collaboration and Communication

• Provide regular updates and escalate and resolve issues as needed, keeping management and relevant teams informed.
• Conduct regular store visits to collaborate with team members and assess product performance.
• Partner with the Product Information and Visual Merchandising Teams to support product launches and promotions.
• Collaborate with the Allocation Team to refine distribution strategies and ensure inventory optimization.

Trend Analysis and Reporting

• Review sales reports, compliance issues, and product flow to identlify performace gaps and opportunities.
• Conduct research on emerging brands, industry trends, and competitive pricing strategies.
• Analyze competitive products, market trends, and consumer preferences to identify opportunities.
• Understand sales trends and translate insights into actionable strategies.

Leadership

• Demonstrate leadership skills within category teams by setting the pace and contributing to project success.
• Uphold the company's mission by fostering a positive team environment and providing excellent service.

General Responsibilities

• Fulfill mission statement by performing job duties with a high level of customer service while contributing to a positive team spirit.
• Uphold and promote Buckle's image, philosophy and goals to both Guests and Teamamtes.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day leadership for Teammates in Buyer Support and leadership of team projects within the Merchandising Department. May also provide day-to-day leadership for Assistant Buyers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school (or equivalent experience).
• Six months to one year of related experience and/or training.
• Previous experience in an Assistant Buyer, procurement, or merchandising role is advantageous but not required.

Key Competencies

• Strong organizational, negotiation, and vendor management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high accuracy in managing data and orders.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions with minimal supervision, and thrive in a team environment.
• Skilled in negotiation and building strong vendor relationships.
• Effective multitasking and prioritization in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and challenges.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the Teammate is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Teammate is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The ability to travel by flight or motor vehicle including overnight stays. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and complete errands based on business needs.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Teammate regularly works in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Buckle is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified Teammates from the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Equal employment opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Buckle, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination and retaliation because of veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, national origin or ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable local, state, or federal law. For state specific information, refer to the Teammate Center.

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