Company Description At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we're different, we're unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.Job DescriptionThe Buyer contributes to rue21's results by being responsible for product development/selection, vendor negotiations, department/category strategies, fashion trend/forecasting and key decisions to drive the business in the Merchandising Department. Along with managing all communication of responsible categories with vendors and internal partners.What will you do? - ResponsibilitiesCommits to supporting rue21's vision, mission, and values of an inclusive environment and sets an example for their team or sphere of influence.Coordinates requirements, specifications, timing, and distribution for merchandise selectionDevelop strategies and criteria for negotiationsEvaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/serviceResolve quality problems with suppliers and user departmentsLead and participate in cross-functional team meetingsManage and develop Assistant and/or Associate BuyersDevelop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departmentsBuild the Brands in all activities; inclusive of quality and timely executionBe customer centric, build the assortment focused around the customers point of view maintaining value and qualityMaintain and update open-to-buy daily, weekly and monthly.Develop and present department/category strategies and assortments to Sr Buyer and Director/VP for alignment and sign offQualificationsWhat do you bring to the table? - Education and ExperienceDegree in Fashion Merchandising, Business or related fieldFive+ years' experience as BuyerPrior managerial/supervisor experiencePartner with planning on creation and management of OTBFashion forward and not afraid to be a trend starterActively participate on Product development processDrive fashion trend and evolution of assortmentDrive e-comm assortment and salesPartner with vendors to negotiate on cost, merchandise quality and delivery windows.Great teammate. You know how to work with and influence those around you, and you don't hesitate to roll up your sleeves and help when others need it.Engaging interpersonal and presentation skills.Efficient organization, prioritization, and time management skills.Strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to draw conclusions to make recommendations.Ability to operate independently while establishing strong working relationships with co-workers and cross-functional teamsAbility to work with and influence senior managementAbility to foster a positive and motivating work environment, encouraging feedback and innovationSelf-motivated with critical attention to detail and deadlinesAbility to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast- paced and deadline-oriented environmentDrive pricing and promotional strategiesCurate assortment for different subsets of customers and storesBring full vision of product story to lifeHigh degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applicationsAdditional InformationAdditional InformationCompetitive compensation and bonus planComprehensive Benefit PackageGenerous PTO offerings401K Retirement Plan with company matchMedical, Dental and Vision CoverageCompany sponsored Life InsuranceHealth Savings AccountFlexible Spending Account/Dependent CareEmployee Assistance Program - Confidential support programs for associates and familiesEmployee Discounts40% off full price merchandise in stores and on-linePerks at Work – Savings program on brands, travel, dining, and moreThis summary of benefits is reflective of a range of those available and may not apply to all employees.
