About the position
The Assistant Buyer (internally known as Assistant Merchant) plays a crucial role in supporting a product category within the buying department. This position encompasses a variety of responsibilities aimed at preparing the candidate for full category responsibility as a future Merchant. The Assistant Buyer is tasked with executing the current year plan established by the Merchant, which includes providing comprehensive support for category reviews, promotional planning, show preparation, retailer communication, SKU onboarding, and maintenance, as well as managing special projects as assigned. This role is fundamentally a support function, designed to develop the skills necessary for future advancement within the buying department. In terms of category review support, the Assistant Buyer is expected to assist the Merchant throughout the entire category review process. This includes requesting and preparing all necessary category analytics, participating in vendor meetings, item selection, plan-o-gram builds, and the marketing and execution of strategies to retailers. The role also involves promotional planning support, where the Assistant Buyer organizes vendor marketing assessments, solicits monthly promotional items from vendors, and manages promotional item submission forms, target pricing, correction notices, and ad proofing. Additionally, the Assistant Buyer will support retailer communication by providing daily customer service and relaying new programs, changes, or issues through ACENET. They will also assist in preparing for semi-annual conventions by selecting and inviting vendors, leading the preparation of show materials, and planning the merchant area theme and execution for their respective category. Inventory and supply chain support is another critical aspect of the role, which includes diagnosing and resolving vendor service issues and assisting in inventory planning for promotional items. The Assistant Buyer will also lead SKU onboarding for the department, process SAP price changes, and manage all item master data changes. Special projects will be assigned by the Department Merchandising Manager (DMM) and Merchant, allowing the Assistant Buyer to engage in cross-functional projects that enhance their experience and skill set.
Responsibilities
- Execute the current year plan laid out by the Merchant.
- Support all aspects of a product category including category reviews, promotional planning, show preparation, retailer communication, SKU onboarding, and maintenance.
- Assist the team with responsibilities and projects as assigned.
- Support the Merchant in all phases of the category review process.
- Request and prepare all category analytics for reviews.
- Participate in vendor meeting preparation, item selection, plan-o-gram build, and marketing execution to retailers.
- Organize and secure vendor marketing assessments for promotional planning.
- Solicit monthly promotional items from vendors and assist with submission forms and pricing.
- Support daily retailer customer service and communication via ACENET.
- Assist in planning and executing semi-annual conventions, including vendor invitations and show materials preparation.
- Diagnose and resolve vendor service issues and assist in inventory planning for promotional items.
- Lead SKU onboarding and processing of department SAP price changes.
- Manage item master data changes and special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- 2+ years of corporate buying/corporate merchandising experience.
- Corporate retail experience preferred.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Highly creative, flexible, and adaptable with good follow-through.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Knowledge of PCM, SAP, and guided Ad-hoc reporting tools.
- Ability to work onsite at Corporate Headquarters in Oak Brook, IL & Mock Center in Woodridge, IL.
- Ability to travel 15%.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Familiarity with inventory management systems.
- Understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.
Benefits
- Incentive opportunities based on role/grade level.
- Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
- Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and disability.
- 21 days of vacation immediately available and up to 6 paid holidays.
- Company car, phone, and fuel card for field-based positions.
- Employee discounts on Ace merchandise and services.
- Birth/Adoption bonding paid time off and adoption cost reimbursement.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and legal support.
