Associate Buyer proficient in managing purchasing needs in high-volume retail operations. Skilled research and planning abilities as well as strengths in communication and key relationship management.
Skills
Purchasing expertise
Strategic planning
Communication skills
Market research
Vendor coordination
Work History
Associate Buyer, 02/2015 to Current Sears Holdings Corporation – Hoffman Estates, IL
Manage Kmart Small Kitchen Appliances with annual sales volume of $125M
Select product and negotiate cost, subsidy and terms
Manage item setup and maintenance
Direct planogram updates to improve customer shopping experience
Plan and help execute Digital and Circular advertising events
Manage vendor allowances, negotiations and collections
Analyze sales trend, key items, vendor profitability and aged inventory and make recommendations for driving improved performance
Analyze sales forecast by item and continuously work to improve forecast accuracy
Partner with the Planner to develop accurate forecasts, determine markdowns and receipts needs
Monitor and respond to issues and opportunities resulting from deviations in plan variances
Maintain knowledge base of industry and competitor market trends
Oversee the responsibilities of the Assistant Buyer and assist in developing their skill set.
Assistant Buyer, 07/2013 to 02/2015 Sears Holdings Corporation – Hoffman Estates, IL
Created and implemented best practices for advertising plan
Coordinated proper setup of the ad program and proper setup and picturing of the item(s)
Approved advertising turn-ins and proofed all images, written copy, and pricing.
Generated weekly financial reports and analyzed data to draw conclusions and provide recommendations for the business.
Trained new hires on company systems and promoted skill development
Sr. Solutions Center Specialist, 10/2012 to 07/2013 Sears Holdings Corporation – Hoffman Estates, IL
Coordinated offers with business units, gathered unique requirements, and assisted in the creation of pricing offers within the IMPACT system.
Validated products and deals within created offers to ensure accuracy.
Assisted with troubleshooting and analysis of offer creation issues to help end users successfully navigate the system.
Education
BBA: 2013 UW-Whitewater - Whitewater Wisconsin Achieved
a Grade Point Average of 3.4 while working 40 hours a week
Associate of Applied Science: Marketing, 2009 Madison College - Madison, WI Achieved a Grade Point Average of 3.6 while working 40 hours a week
