Overview:
Associate Buyer - Handbags
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
Plano, Texas
The Associate Buyer works with the Buyer or Sr. Buyer in identifying, executing and communicating long term and seasonal merchandise strategies through the development of assortment plans. The Associate Buyer will control merchandising and marketing messages that meet or exceed sales, profit and inventory plans for JCPenney Stores and JCP.com

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop a competitive merchandise assortment plan that is customer focused and adjusts to sales plans based on competition, business needs, and fashion/industry trends
• Manage all aspects of assortment, product placement, order writing, marketing, pricing, signing, and markdowns
• Build strong product assortments with suppliers and negotiate pricing and inventory for assigned categories
• Utilize open-to-buy to manage business pre-season and in-season while working in tangent with Planner to maximize business opportunities
• Evaluate suppliers on new and existing products, including but not limited to quality, pricing, shipping time, customer demand and return on investment
• Integrate brand, sourcing, marketing and supply chain functions into the merchandising process to make business decisions
• Determine item lifecycles and exit strategies as well as identify items to maximize promotional and marketing strategies
• Attend all market weeks, store trips, trade shows and conferences
• Train and coach Assistant Buyers & Sr. Assistant Buyers

Core Competencies & Accomplishments:

• College degree or equivalent business experience
• Minimum 4 years merchandising experience; preferably with a large organization in a similar role
• Thorough knowledge of buying and operations gained through progressive buying experience
• Assortment optimization and Business Planning
• Supplier and Price Management
• Strong Decision Making ability and Negotiation Skills
• Adaptability/Perseverance
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook required

What you get:
We offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount on JCPenney merchandise.
About JCPenney:
At JCPenney, we share a passion for serving customers, supporting our communities and being the best retailer for all families. As a company founded on the Golden Rule, our success is rooted in the belief that we treat everyone the way we would want to be treated. At every touchpoint, customers discover stylish merchandise at incredible value from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Reinforcing this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of approximately 98,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company’s mission to help customers find what they love for less time, money and effort.
Working at JCPenney means joining a dedicated team of associates who are encouraged to be uniquely themselves in a safe, caring and welcoming environment. It is a place where careers prosper, accomplishments are celebrated and diversity flourishes. It’s a place that’s meant for you.
For more opportunities to join our team please visit our careers page.
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Pay Range: USD $65,000.00 - USD $105,000.00 /Yr

• Develop a competitive merchandise assortment plan that is customer focused and adjusts to sales plans based on competition, business needs, and fashion/industry trends
• Manage all aspects of assortment, product placement, order writing, marketing, pricing, signing, and markdowns
• Build strong product assortments with suppliers and negotiate pricing and inventory for assigned categories
• Utilize open-to-buy to manage business pre-season and in-season while working in tangent with Planner to maximize business opportunities
• Evaluate suppliers on new and existing products, including but not limited to quality, pricing, shipping time, customer demand and return on investment
• Integrate brand, sourcing, marketing and supply chain functions into the merchandising process to make business decisions
• Determine item lifecycles and exit strategies as well as identify items to maximize promotional and marketing strategies
• Attend all market weeks, store trips, trade shows and conferences
• Train and coach Assistant Buyers & Sr. Assistant Buyer