Buyer

OverviewBuyer is responsible for the overall P&L, managing large, complex categories (digestive support) as they set, communicate and execute strategic direction for their assigned categories.  They are responsible for the planning and management of category sales, promotional activity, margin, inventory, product assortment and item data accuracy. In addition, they are to collaborate with Marketing, Inventory Team, Retail Operations, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Public Relations and Finance to achieve category plans and to share category insights.  Buyers are the primary owner of vendor relationships for national branded and Vitamin Shoppe brand products.ResponsibilitiesSet, manage and execute the strategic direction for the category(s) to include both Vitamin Shoppe Brand and national branded productCollaborate with Category Planner to develop category inventory productivity targets, monitor receipts and work to implement strategic initiatives to drive results  Develop and achieve category quantitative plans including sales, promotional mark downs and merchandise margin.Create well-balanced assortments partnering with Private brands on opportunitiesDevelop and execute the monthly promotional cadence in partnership w/ the marketing and pricing teamsWork with the Pricing team to determine competitive position of products against our various categories of competitionCultivate, sustain and be the primary owner of vendor relationship with a primary focusing creating business opportunityEstablishes and maintains a reputation of credibility and responsiveness in the marketplace (e.g. promptly returns vendor phone calls, ensure timely follow-up on issues, etc.)Develop and maintain positive working relationships with cross-functional partners (Inventory, Private Brands, Marketing, Visual, MIO)Build and communicate category & market intelligence throughout the organizationProactively leads, develops and manages staff with a goal of developing internal merchandising bench strengthStay current on industry and competitive landscape by attending primary industry events and by regularly visiting competitors to understand what they offer and to validate our competitive advantages and positioningSupervisory Responsibilities: Associate BuyerAssistant BuyerKey Performance Indicators: QuantitativeSales dollarsMargin dollarsInventory productivity (Turn, GMROI)QualitativeAssortment reviewPromotion managementQualificationsEducation/Certification:Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Nutrition or related FieldRequired Knowledge:Current or previous category merchandising expertise in commodity/replenishment driven categories5-7+ years in a progressive retail or CPG merchandising careerAbility and passion to drive change and innovation within categories of accountabilityStrong vendor partner with strong negotiation skills and experience negotiating with multinational vendors.Advanced analytical rigor with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Expertise using market share data to aid decision making and promotion cadencePassion for the health and wellness industryPassionate hands-on leader with the ability to execute in a fast paced organizationEqual Opportunity PolicyThe Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, separation, recruitment, pay and other forms of compensation, access to facilities and programs, training and general treatment during employment.We firmly believe that every Health Enthusiast has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of Health Enthusiasts. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, equal application of fair human resources policies, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to all health enthusiast matters.

The Vitamin Shoppe is committed to the principle of fair and impartial treatment of our Health Enthusiasts.Health Enthusiasts with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their Human Resources representative.  We will not allow any form of retaliation against Health Enthusiasts who raise issues of perceived discrimination in good faith.  To ensure our workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.                                                                                       Job SummaryID: Category: MerchandisingLocation: US-NJ-Secaucus