Merchandise Detail Assistant - Helzberg Diamonds

Merchandise Detail Assistant

North Kansas City, Missouri

THE DEPARTMENT:
The Merchandise Department supports the Product needs of Helzberg Diamonds by building powerful assortments, wide- ranging price points, bridal dominance, competitive quality and value across multiple fine jewelry categories and time pieces. The Merchandise team is responsible for identifying products that will sell, negotiating vendor contracts, and analyzing sales data to make sound purchasing decisions. The department has a significant impact on profitability by closely managing gross margin and inventory. Merchandise is an active partner with the Store Operations group and Marketing in driving Helzberg’s business.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Facilitate processes and execute duties that support the Buyer and team to get merchandise from vendors to the stores. Handle the detailed aspects of buying merchandise, serve as a liaison with external vendors and internal departments, and assist the stores as needed. This position will work with others in Marketing and E-Commerce to support the merchandising and marketing campaigns.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Set up and maintain SKU and attribute data for store and on-line merchandise to ensure information is accurate and timely. Partner with vendors to adjust and update cost sheets when changes are required in a timely manner.
• Manage image process to support online styles by partnering with vendors to secure internet standard photography that is accurate and turn over to the e-com team for activation within designated timelines. Work with external and internal partners to resolve photography issues that arise.
• Assist in maintaining an accurate online assortment by proofing newly activated styles for accuracy and manage the attributes for temporary or permanent deactivation.
• Manage sample inventory and processes for Buyers’ review and to support Marketing campaigns.
• Create and maintain purchase orders to ensure they are delivered and processed in a timely basis. Communicate with vendors to ensure accurate and timely shipments of products and resolve issues.
• Execute assigned merchandise events and provide support as needed.
• Provide support for department Buyers with reporting, inventory management, training new associates and other projects as needed.
• Set up meetings with vendors and provide support as needed during meetings.
• Set up new vendors and manage contracts to ensure information is accurate.
• Provide support to stores regarding merchandise questions and issues such as transfers, special orders, reports, new store setup, etc. Use various tools to communicate merchandise programs and information to store associates.
• Provide support to marketing department for catalogs by compiling and supplying merchandise specifications and proofing copies for accurate pricing and information.
• Provide support to our QC department by answering questions and making product detail adjustments in the system as needed.
• Put together merchandise platforms for reviews, meetings with vendors and photography. Work with Assistant Buyers and visual merchandise staff as needed on visual merchandising projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associate degree in business or related field.
• One to three years of office management required, preferably in retail merchandising office or stores.
• Must exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with external merchandise vendors.
• Strong basic math skills, ability to multi-task, attention to details and strong customer service and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Word and Excel required, along with good data entry skills and an aptitude for working with detailed computer systems.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business strategies and direction a must.
• Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.

COMPETENCIES:
Analytical Thinking, Communication, Concern for Order and Quality, Customer Service Orientation, Integrity, Personal Accountability, Teamwork, and Cooperation.