Company Description
At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we’re different, we’re unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.
Job Description
The Buyer contributes to rue21’s results by being responsible for product development/selection, vendor negotiations, department/category strategies, fashion trend/forecasting and key decisions to drive the business in the Merchandising Department. Along with managing all communication of responsible categories with vendors and internal partners.
What will you do? - Responsibilities
- Commits to supporting rue21’s vision, mission, and values of an inclusive environment and sets an example for their team or sphere of influence.
-
Coordinates requirements, specifications, timing, and distribution for merchandise selection
-
Develop strategies and criteria for negotiations
-
Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service
-
Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments
-
Lead and participate in cross-functional team meetings
-
Manage and develop Assistant and/or Associate Buyers
-
Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments
-
Build the Brands in all activities; inclusive of quality and timely execution
-
Be customer centric, build the assortment focused around the customers point of view maintaining value and quality
-
Maintain and update open-to-buy daily, weekly and monthly.
-
Develop and present department/category strategies and assortments to Sr Buyer and Director/VP for alignment and sign off
Qualifications
What do you bring to the table? - Education and Experience
- Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business or related field
-
Five years' experience as Buyer
-
Prior managerial/supervisor experience
-
Partner with planning on creation and management of OTB
-
Fashion forward and not afraid to be a trend starter
-
Actively participate on Product development process
-
Drive fashion trend and evolution of assortment
-
Drive e-comm assortment and sales
-
Partner with vendors to negotiate on cost, merchandise quality and delivery windows.
-
Great teammate. You know how to work with and influence those around you, and you don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and help when others need it.
-
Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills.
-
Efficient organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
-
Strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to draw conclusions to make recommendations.
-
Ability to operate independently while establishing strong working relationships with co-workers and cross-functional teams
-
Ability to work with and influence senior management
-
Ability to foster a positive and motivating work environment, encouraging feedback and innovation
-
Self-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlines
-
Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast- paced and deadline-oriented environment
-
Drive pricing and promotional strategies
-
Curate assortment for different subsets of customers and stores
-
Bring full vision of product story to life
-
High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
Additional Information
Additional Information
Competitive compensation and bonus plan
Comprehensive Benefit Package
-
Generous PTO offerings
-
401K Retirement Plan with company match
-
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
-
Company sponsored Life Insurance
-
Health Savings Account
-
Flexible Spending Account/Dependent Care
-
Employee Assistance Program - Confidential support programs for associates and families
Employee Discounts
-
40% off full price merchandise in stores and on-line
-
Perks at Work – Savings program on brands, travel, dining, and more
This summary of benefits is reflective of a range of those available and may not apply to all employees.