Buyer (Licensing & Retail)

Full Time, onsite
The Coca-Cola Company
Atlanta, United States of America

Salary undisclosed

Apply on

Linkedn

Original

Simplified

Position Overview

The Buyer plays a critical role in driving the Coca-Cola Stores business (Global Licensing & Retail). This role is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic assortment vision with a forward thinking, customer centric-approach, while delivering on revenue and margin goals and business objectives. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with an eye for trends and a passion for delivering the best products to our consumers. The Buyer will collaborate with the Merchandise Planners, Product Developer and Visual Merchandising Coordinator along with other members of the Licensing & Retail cross functional team to achieve business plans through assortment strategy, price architecture, and in-store merchandising. This role is responsible for buying all product categories for Coca-Cola Stores inclusive of Apparel, Accessories, Drinkware, Home & Collectibles.

Job Description

Merchandise/Assortment Planning

Develop annual and pre-season merchandise strategies and assortment plans to meet financial targets and business objectives in collaboration with Planners and Product Developer. Present to Leadership and key stakeholders.
Manage the selection and assortment of merchandise, ensuring alignment with market trends and Brand DNA to meet the needs of our guests and meet financial targets. Manage SKU counts to maximize profitability, recommend and execute assortment edits.
Translate knowledge of industry and consumer trends into actionable merchandising strategies that drive sales and support overall business objectives.
Monitor and react to business performance, sales trends, and market & consumer trends to make informed buying decisions. Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and consumer preferences.
Partner with Product Developer and Design to support the seasonal product development process and in season chase opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with vendors/licensees and strategically partner to deliver the optimal product assortment for Coca-Cola stores. Partner with Product Developer to conduct market appointments regularly.
Build assortments and partner with Marketing and Visual Merchandiser to bring stories to life at retail in a compelling and relevant manner for our consumer
Partner with Licensing team to ensure Coca-Cola Stores feature best in class global Licensed merchandise and limited time collaborations
Partner with eCom Director to optimize the Coca-ColaStore.com merchandise assortment and promotions.

In Season Business Management & Profitability

Collaborate with Planners to support the open-to-buy process inclusive of monthly forecasting of revenue, markdowns, inventory, receipts and gross margin based on current trend and expected future trends. Recommend strategies to drive opportunities and minimize risk.
Responsible for making decisions to maximize revenue, profit and inventory turnover including Markdowns/Pricing decisions, reorders/reaction to selling, floor moves etc
Profitably manage exit strategies to maximize revenue, minimize margin risk and optimize inventory performance.
Set retail prices for all merchandise and plan overall markup structure to ensure margin targets are met.
Collaborate with visual merchandising to drive sales and gross margin through strategic in-store presentations and product placement.
Forecast and track sales performance and profitability of categories and items.
Identify key opportunities, analyze the business and react with timely reorders to enhance business opportunities

Preseason Financial Planning

Provide input to the Planners on annual financial plans inclusive of Revenue, Markdowns, Receipts, Inventory, Gross Margin
Perform hindsight analysis seasonally on all key categories and programs and make decisions to deliver growth in future seasons.
Responsible for category-level investment decisions and ensuring financial validity of assortment to meet revenue and margin targets. Partner with Planners to guide class plans and key item plans.

Key Partnerships

Cross-functional team leader and conduit between Planners, Product Developer, Visual Merchandiser, eCom Director and cross functional partners including Store Operations, Marketing, Design and Licensing. External - Licensees and Vendors. Coaches, develops and trains Merchandising Assistant (Direct report). The Buyer reports in to the Senior Director Merchandising and eCommerce.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 7 years of experience in Retail Buying/Merchandising. Experience in both Softline and Hardline categories preferred. Apparel experience required.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Creative and strategic thinking.
Ability to identify emerging trends and translate across the business.
Strong understanding of trends, customer preferences and passion for product.
Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills with ability to influence.
Ability to thrive in a team environment
Expertise in Microsoft Office - Excel, Powerpoint
Language: Fluent in English, both written and spoken.