Buyer - Kids Crafts (46405) - Full-time

Want to love where you work? At Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, our team members are the key to our ability to achieve our mission – to spark the creativity that lives in every person. When you shop our stores, not only will our stores and the products we sell excite you, you will quickly notice that our teams are inspired to provide exceptional service. They are the reason we are the best fabric and craft retail brand in the country. They are why our customers love to shop our stores In each of our nearly 800 locations throughout the U.S., you will find our Team Members directly interacting with customers and assisting with operational, merchandising, and receiving tasks throughout the store. If you are dynamic, energetic and have a passion for serving and inspiring creativity, you will love working at Jo-Ann.

Summary
We are currently looking for a Buyer to focus on our Kids Craft Shop. The Buyer works with the Divisional Merchandise Manager(DMM) in developing merchandise strategies for a specific category of merchandise. Delivers new products to market, inspires creativity in our customers, and is recognized as the customer expert for assigned shops. This position improves the shopping experience and productivity of products and space while increasing Jo-Ann’s market share. The Buyer is responsible for developing direct reports and accountable for financial results including, but not limited to, sales, gross margin, return on investment, inventory turnover, and net margin. This position requires up to 30% travel and may require working occasional weekends (e.g. Trade shows, domestic and international travel, etc.) to meet desired objectives.

Scope

• Achieving financial metrics - Builds and assorts an array of products and/or services by store that achieves financial targets. Partners with cross-functional team members in assuring assortments are correct, financial plans and/or open to buy dollars are appropriate, presentation standards are correct, and store allocations are appropriate.
• Develops and executes promotional strategies that drive top and bottom line. Seeks to understand ecommerce and drives for results in both stores and online. Continuously works to set Jo-Ann apart from the competition in product, results, and experience. Analyzes data and other information to be reactive and proactive in setting a course to achieve metrics.
• Developing Team Members - Takes accountability for the growth and development of their team members. Sets clear expectations and holds people accountable.
• Product and Newness - Creates basic, seasonal and promotional assortments. Understands key items and how to drive them. Demonstrates creativity and understands trends and fashion. Strategically positions specific products within our stores and ecommerce that support the Jo-Ann brand based on expert knowledge of the customer and the competition. Creates a sense of urgency within the customer. Actively engages and supports product development and sourcing of quality products that bring value to our customers and profits to the company.
• Negotiation - Actively negotiates the best price, quality, and value for our customers. Seeks to understand other’s position and points of view and works to increase the benefits for all. Negotiates for the long term. Manages vendor, agent, and factory relationships to drive business, improve sales and productivity.

Education Requirements

• Minimum: Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Consideration will be given to Team Members actively pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Textiles, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum: 5+ years of experience in merchandising, assorting, and promotional planning. Experience in developing and executing a business plan/business turnaround plan from a merchandising and financial perspective. Must have a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams. Experience as a Sr. Assistant Merchandiser or Inventory Management experience (or equivelent).
• Preferred: 2+ years experience in inventory management. Experience in multiple disciplines to include merchandise or space planning, replenishment and/or product development. 2+ years in a supervisory role. Experience buying for Kids Crafts

Other Skills

• Strong communication and organizational skills, Ability to problem solve and demonstrate leadership skills. MS Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Our company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Jo-Ann Stores, LLC. is an at-will employer, which means that your employment may be terminated by the Company or yourself with or without notice or cause unless the at-will arrangement is modified by a written agreement signed by both you and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.