Associate Buyer

About Macy's

Macy's has been an iconic American brand for over 160 years, blending innovation with tradition through inspiring stores, compelling products, and memorable events like the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This rich legacy shapes a unique and memorable workplace environment.

Role Overview

The Associate Buyer plays a crucial role in strengthening Macy's market position by selecting merchandise that drives sales and profitability in both physical stores and online platforms. Working closely with current vendors and scouting new unique suppliers, you will craft an exceptional product assortment tailored to customer demand. This position requires strategic planning for sales, margins, turnover, and pricing while collaborating with planning teams to analyze sales trends and respond accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Make independent purchase decisions aligned with sales, turnover, and margin goals to fulfill customer demand without requiring approval from the Buying Director.
• Monitor the competitive landscape to identify opportunities that support company strategy and capitalize on market gaps.
• Conduct competitive shopping and recommend necessary actions to address challenges; suggest product development ideas to vendors.
• Assist the Buying Director in managing in-season business by influencing promotional tactics based on current needs.
• Attend market appointments well-prepared with strategic assortment plans that align with customer preferences.
• Define vision and actionable steps for assortment opportunities in partnership with Planning, Pricing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with planners to formulate and execute assortment strategies.
• Create pre-season assortment plans that connect with company priorities and insights from digital and planning leaders.
• Partner with Financial Planning to ensure financial objectives support assortment strategies.
• Make in-season adjustments on department and vendor levels based on sales, margin, and turnover forecasts.
• Support building seasonal strategic elements in conjunction with Financial Planning and Buying Director.
• Provide in-depth category, class, and item performance data to assist in making informed in-season changes.
• Maintain industry connections to create new business opportunities and ideas while representing the Macy’s brand professionally.
• Communicate regularly with vendors to ensure timely markdown decisions and coordinate with Financial Planning to align with in-season vendor management timelines.
• Utilize data analytics and dynamic pricing techniques to set effective point-of-sale and permanent pricing strategies, ensuring financial targets and profitability goals are achieved.
• Review promotional discount rates and sales metrics to tweak plans and meet sales and margin objectives.
• Implement point-of-sale pricing using promotional planners and assist in managing permanent markdowns with associate buyers.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive work environment fostering authentic connections among colleagues, customers, and communities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong financial and business understanding to support strategic decision-making.
• Comprehensive knowledge of retail strategies including market trends, customer behaviors, and competitive analysis.
• Proven capability in change management, leading teams to adapt effectively to evolving strategies.
• Visionary leadership skills to drive innovative strategies and elevate the business.
• Excellent communication skills promoting candid dialogue and collaborative idea generation.
• A growth mindset with the ability to coach and inspire teams toward development opportunities.
• Experience in strategic planning to curate compelling assortments.
• Ability to coordinate with General Business Managers and Digital Directors for alignment across business units.

Candidate Profile

• Holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with at least 3 years of relevant direct experience.
• Comfortable working with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistics, ratios, and percentages applied to practical tasks.
• Capable of performing essential functions such as effective communication, collaboration, and use of digital and office tools.
• Flexibility to accommodate variable schedules according to departmental and corporate demands.

Employee Benefits and Perks

Macy’s offers an engaging and supportive work environment with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Employees receive health and wellness coverage, 401(k) matching, paid time off including eight holidays, continuous learning, and leadership development opportunities. Additional perks include access to colleague resource groups, volunteer initiatives, merchandise discounts, performance-based bonuses, annual merit reviews, mental health and legal counseling, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Macy's is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. This position may include performance-based incentives. Eligibility for benefits is determined by various factors including job classification and tenure.