Buyer - Technology

Develop a realistic and effective business plan for each product line to achieve budgeted goals in sales, margin, supply chain impact (including turns), and drive execution of plan Identify alternatives for driving sales in face of negative trends Develop and approve disposition plans With support from Director Buyer/DMM, develop and execute written strategy for product lines taking into account cross-functional implications. Review business plans alignment with company strategic objectives and goals Choose items and vendors for assigned product line(s). Negotiate with vendors for lower cost, volume incentives, rebates, advertising and other applicable allowancesMeet with vendors in development of marketing plansMerchandise assigned line(s) to ensure service levels with minimum inventory investment and maximum gross marginEffectively manage impact on inventory turns by leveraging knowledge of logistics to secure best delivered costsReview and approve financial and item forecasts with PlannersManage adjusted margins and work with Director Buyer/DMM for solutionsUtilize appropriate resources to gather dataInterpret basic financial statements, total costs to serve the product, financials levers and metrics used in merchandising to understand current and future trendsIdentify exceptions and seek additional information when data discrepancies are foundExhibit proactive communication, assess the need for immediate actionLead a Product Specialist setting and managing to goals, review performance regularly with guidance from Director Buyer/DMMManagement of all Contract Catalogs, and all data analysis needed to support vendor/product selectionAchieve/Exceed Contract funding goals established by VP Meet/Exceed all categories turn-in dates and critical support dates Perform all discrepancy reports, forecasting requirements, adds/deletes file, and x-item reportsHandle all vendor returns/disposition of all inactive products from any previous Contract CatalogsWork with Marketing on the Catalog Launch Communication - Filmed and Live presentationsContract Buyer must respond to all Contract Sales reps inquiries, questions, request for help, with the utmost sense of urgencyResponses must occur within 24 hoursBuyers work with Vendors to obtain bid" pricing for customers meeting volume requirementsBuyer is responsible for getting the signed contract from the vendor, signing and returning the agreement to the vendor, submitting the bid into the Corporate Contract Bid file, and reviewing/signing all Bid Credit Memos on a quarterly basisBuyer is responsible for driving the Own Brand/Simply business to meet/exceed the established goalsIn addition, buyer will also bring new product to Staples Brand Group's attention for potential products based on trends, OEM volume, and/or Product transitionsCommunication to the sales force for all price increases via the Contract BulletinBuyer submits the info to the product specialist, runs the margin impact report, and works with Sr. Buyer/VP's to reject price increases, or develop a workable solution that keeps Contract's margin wholeBuyer is responsible for working with other NAD counterparts to achieve/exceed the SKU matching goals set forth by NAD managementProcess includes monthly meetings to review adds/deletes by channel, new fors" that fall outside of a catalog cycle, and enter all changes into the SKU Matching DatabaseWork directly with Contract Sales Force, attending Customer meetings, Contract Sales events, and Contract specific conference calls Responsible for working with vendors on the Key Supplier Program - presenting the program, Achieving/Exceeding Contract funding goals established by VP, maintaining the file of signed agreements, working with Marketing Key Supplier Manager and Vendors to help Staples and Vendors maximize the potential from the program Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required 5 - 7 years of experience Previous buying/planning experience preferredStrong negotiating skillsStrong organizational and finance skillsAbility to work well with many team members Apply