Assistant Buyer
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Full Time
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Experienced
Department:
Retail
Reports to:
Capilano Group Retail Buyer
General Description:
The Assistant Buyer assists the Capilano Group Retail Buyer in all aspects of the administration, buying, inventory and merchandising process for the Retail Department within Capilano Group (CGC); Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (CSBP), Moraine Lake Lodge (MLL), Cathedral Mountain Lodge (CML), Prospect Point Café & Trading Co. (PPC), Stanley Park Pavilion (PAV) and any future acquisitions.
This role works with the Capilano Group Retail Manager & Buyer in executing the retail buying, inventory & merchandising functions with the goal of achieving sales, gross margin and inventory productivity for all Capilano Group stores. The Assistant Buyer works closely with stores to understand varying markets and inventory needs. They are also hands on executing merchandise and visual displays and coaching the team on replenishment and merchandising standards. Daily, weekly & monthly sales analysis and inventory reports are top priority to ensure product mix and replenishment is timely to season of business.
Assistant Buyer must have strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative manner under pressure. Attention to detail and thoroughness of all paperwork and follow-up is essential, as well as building and maintaining strategic relationships with key suppliers and vendors.
Purchasing & Business Management (in partnership with Retail Manager/Buyer)
- Manage product database; product coding and categorization
- Ensure that correct costs/retails are up to date and communicated to all stores
- Monitor sales and margin performance and interpret variances against budget and forecast for the Capilano Group Retail Manager & Buyer,
- Ensure consistent procedures to ensure proper recording and tracking of all items purchased for retail,
- Check order confirmation for accuracy and compliance with purchase order and/or terms of agreement,
- Conduct purchase order follow up with vendors and resolve all related processing/distribution issues,
- Assist in monthly/seasonal markdown sessions,
- Monitor stock levels and initiate recommendations for repeat orders and consolidations,
- Organize, coordinate and periodically conduct physical inspections of inventory levels of all CGC locations (Sales floor & Warehouse),
- Participate in creation of financial plans in partnership with Capilano Group Retail Manager & Buyer and VP of Operations,
- Re-order inventory for stores,
- Expedite all purchase orders for all stores,
- Print re-stocking report for Moraine Lake (in season) and Capilano Trading Post on a weekly basis,
- Follow up on orders that are overdue (past 2 weeks)
- Prepare and Plan attendance to gift shows, supplier and vendor meetings, as required.
- Assist with suppliers regarding orders, product changes and price changes,
- Investigate and resolve product quality, quantity, pricing and related issues with suppliers and negotiate appropriate resolution
Adaptability: Adapts and responds to changing conditions, priorities, technologies and requirements. Recognizes new information and ideas with a willingness to alter opinions and behaviors. Applies versatility, reasoning and innovativeness in the face of change. Able to comfortably collaborate in a variety of situations & individuals.
Communication: Express and transmits information in an open, honest & timely manner. Use active listening techniques in order to effectively understand and provide feedback; summarizing information according to audience in order to promote engagement and increase understanding (present background of information)
Drive Results: Focus own and others energy on activities that have the greatest impact on the business. Efficiently handle shifting priorities and multiple demands. Set and deliver on personal and organizational objectives.
Job Task Planning and Organizing: To set the job priorities and complete tasks in a timely order.
Relationship Building and Networking: Effectively builds constructive, friendly, professional relationships and networks of key contacts with both internal and external team members, maintains partnerships that can provide information, assistance and support. Be approachable and open to the views of others.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (Business, commerce or fashion merchandising), preferred,
- Related experience in buying for a specialty retail/product,
- 2 or more years of progressive retail experience or store operations role,
- Must have a background in fashion/clothing buying, merchandising and inventory management, preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of purchasing and contracting techniques and procedures,
- Strong mathematical, analytical and problem solving ability along with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook,
- Strong writing skills for creating reports, correspondence, contracts, requests, bids, and other documentation.
- Experience with EPOS and retail back office systems essential; knowledge of Retail Star an asset,
- Team player able to recognize opportunities to collaborate / assist with fellow team members; extremely adaptable, positive and flexible to change.
- Able to work a variety of shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of the business,
- While performing the duties of this position, team members are required to be on their feet for extended periods of time,
- Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 20lbs, and
- Occasionally required to lift and climb a step ladder or step stool.
- Business travel and overnight trips may be required.
Compensation for this role is $54,000 - $58,000.
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