Description
Blue Nile is the largest online retailer of certified diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry. We provide a superior customer experience, extraordinary value and industry leading product quality and style. We obsess about our customers and are passionate about providing each customer with an amazing experience.
We embrace a culture of adaptability. Our team is nimble, innovative and resourceful and makes an impact on both the business and each individual customer’s personal experience. We value hard-work, flexibility and curiosity; we collaborate to creatively solve problems, constantly improve and implement meaningful changes. Our team celebrates achievements and is inspired by success.
Blue Nile is looking for a passionate and talented Associate Buyer who will support the management of product categories and help to execute Blue Nile’s merchandising vision of the business. As a key member of the merchandising team, the Associate Buyer will play a critical role in product creation, assortment management, vendor negotiations, and product merchandising.
Responsibilities:
- Drive maximum sales and margin in product categories through the execution of the product assortment strategy, price negotiations.
- Support in the development and management of vendors. Support in the management of vendor performance and compliance.
- Collaborate with the buyer and vendor base to maximize new product launches, first-to-market opportunities and exclusivity arrangements.
- Monitor, evaluate and analyze business results and product performance to drive sales and profitability.
- Develop an understanding of the industry, seasonality and global trends/events, and continually monitor competitor/industry developments.
- Keep up-to-date on product trends within and outside of Blue Nile’s product mix.
- Support in the sourcing and selection of merchandise consistent with the Blue Nile brand and target market.
- Support vendor negotiations, including terms, discounts, and returns
- Lead and manage Assistant Buyer/Merchandising Assistant, providing clear direction, training and direction as needed.
- Schedule vendor appointments, agendas, and lead applicable on site meetings with appropriate vendor business recaps. Support the buyer to cchedule off site meetings and agendas with appropriate meeting business recaps.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferably in business, purchasing, merchandising, supply chain management, finance or related field.
- 5+ years of progressive work experience as an assistant buyer.
- Analytical and detail oriented with strong Excel skills and a strong understanding of retail math.
- Strong product sensibility and experience with design and product development (product, industrial or architectural).
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills; project management experience desired.
- Highly self-motivated with ability to carry out directives in a fast-paced, multiple-priority environment.
- Ability to independently carry out responsibilities and exercise appropriate judgment
- Great team player and collaborator.
- Strong working knowledge in Microsoft Office.