DESCRIPTION
Please apply directly to Vans for this role.
As the Omni Associate Buyer, you will partner with the Buyer to ensure that Vans product assortments resonate with consumers to meet or exceed sales plan. You will be given the opportunity to plan and execute purchasing style and quantity as well as quality of merchandise in accordance with customer demand, market trends, brand direction and fiscal obligations. Here at Vans, you will be allowed to evoke your drive for results as you ensure that the maximum sales and gross margin performance are coupled with inventory management. This is an analytical job—we need someone who is very detailed oriented and enjoys operating control-related standards and procedures. This role is very impactful for our retail division as you will utilize influential buying strategies in eagerness to see our company grow and to continue our legacy.Join the Vans Family
Vans® is the original action sports footwear company, rooted in authenticity and creativity. Founded in 1966, we have thrived on a legacy of impacting our greater community through four pillars: action sports, music, art and street culture. We are constantly inspired by the creative voyagers within our company and community. For them, creativity is about the journey, not just the output. Our mission is to empower everyone to use creativity to discover themselves. Our vision is to create a world where anyone can be their unique self.At Vans, our culture sets us apart and influences everything we do. We are driven by our five values: We have HEART – also referred to as the “Van Doren Spirit”. We are relentlessly CURIOUS about our consumers and the world around us. We are UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC and whole heartedly believe the most “Off the Wall” thing you can do is be yourself. We are driven by a spirit of INGENUITY. And we are passionate about local COMMUNITIES. And most of all, we are a family that has fun together.At Vans we empower creative exploration and inspire youth culture through a commitment to inclusivity. We welcome anyone and everyone into our global family and proudly celebrate and environment where individuality is embraced, equal opportunities thrive, and everyone is empowered to reach their greatest potential.By joining our family, you will be immersed in an environment of incredibly supportive and collaborative people. We work hard across a multitude of initiatives to bring the Van Doren Spirit to life. We live for what we do.As of October 18, 2021, this position requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on the first day of employment, absent need for medical or religious accommodation or other exemption as allowed by state or local law. Further information provided during the recruitment process.
How You Will Make a Difference
What you will do:
- Partners with the Buyer to create assortment plan strategy in units and dollars for all stores and Ecom buys and purchases orders each season in accordance with fiscal responsibilities such as sales, margin, turnover, and works alongside the visual and site merchandising teams to keep our business on top.
- Partners with the Buyer to balance overall Retail, Outlet store and Ecom inventories for the company through timing the delivery of initial and replenishment distributions between DC, Site Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, IT and Store Operations to achieve the highest return on investment.
- Consistently reviews and reacts to sales performance/selling reports and generates pricing and consolidation directives ensuring greatest sales and margin potential.
- Evaluates store and Ecom profile by performance of product and communication with cross functional partners to improve our buying strategies. Maximizes sales and inventory turn by coordinating with Planning and Allocations teams on consolidations and model stock levels to drive for continuous results.
- Plans and executes markdown strategies through reviewing sales results, researching sales and inventory sales by class each month and draws conclusions about business trends to ensure greatest margin potential for our business. Strategizes opening assortments, quantities, and timing of deliveries for Ecom and new stores in conjunction with Merchandise Managers, Content, Site and Store Operations.
- Partners with Assistant Buyer on upcoming tasks and/or projects, as well as due dates. Communicates effectively together before each monthly Close of Sales to ensure all Buy Sheet and Matrices are updated and accurate.
How you will do it:
- Your diverse experiences and background enable you to provide a unique perspective to fuel our global growth. Additionally, you are inclusive and value differing points of view.
- Builds a strong relationship with the NORA Merchandising & Global Category Managers to collaborate on the assortment strategy in order to make store needs known. Engages in seasonal Go to Market process and Pre-lines to apply current selling and trend knowledge to support future buying strategy.
- Collaborate with cross functional partners such as Planning, Allocation, and Visual teams, as well as E-commerce to manage product lifecycle across channels. Ensure product and storytelling are coming to life as expected to drive conversion and exceed consumer expectations.
What success looks like:
- Building and sustaining a highly inclusive team atmosphere where the diversity of each person’s skills and background is viewed as a powerful strength for the team.
- Effectively making decisions rooted in data and analytics but having the confidence and ability to make quick decisions when necessary with a future-oriented outlook.
- Driving strategic execution to efficiently achieve KPI goals.
Free To Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a mission-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.Skills For Success
Years of Related Professional Experience: 3+ years of Buying experience, with 2+ years at the Assistant levelEducational Position Requirements:A formal education and subsequent undergraduate/graduate degrees are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.What we expect you already know:
- Computer skills to include Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other relevant Retail applications (Knowledge/experience in SAP, Fiori, and Business Objects preferred)
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with other management staff, employees and others with whom the company conducts business
- Read, analyze and interpret policies, procedures and other business practices, guideline and documents.
- Understand, assess & problem solve by leveraging analytical skills
- Strong knowledge/experience in retail math (calculate figures and amounts)
What we will teach you:
- How to lead and effectively make decisions with the consumer always at the forefront
- Obtain a big picture understanding of all the differing roles within Direct to Consumer and how we cohesively work together to come to life in the retail stores
- How to think strategically with a test and learn mentality where it is ok to take risks and fail fast
- How to effectively lead and develop a highly-inclusive team to improve performance and achieve professional goals
VF Guiding Principles: Live with Integrity, Act Courageously, Be Curious, Act with Empathy, and Perservere.What’s In It For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package. Go to MyVFBenefits.com and click on “Looking to Join VF?” to learn more.Our Parent Company, VF Corporation
VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish through our family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. At the heart of our journey lies our company-wide purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. It’s a commitment shared by our global associates across all brands. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.comWe just have one question. Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$73,440.00 USD - $91,800.00 USD annually