THE NORTH FACE: ASSISTANT RETAIL BUYER (ALAMEDA, CA)

Description

 At The North Face, we push the boundaries of innovation with our product design and development of premier apparel, equipment and footwear to enable and inspire athletes and enthusiasts to Never Stop Exploring. We remain deeply proud to be the first choice of the world's most accomplished climbers, mountaineers, extreme skiers, snowboarders, endurance runners, and explorers. If you have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy a fast-paced environment, this is the place for you!

As a member of the Retail Team, the Assistant Retail Buyer will be assisting the Retail Buyer in planning, purchasing, communicating, and controlling merchandising and marketing for the assigned area in support of the Company positioning statements and consumer-focused branding strategy to maximize sales and profits and increasing market share for the retail stores.

Qualifications

 Education/Experience:
Years of Related Professional Experience: 1-3.
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Retail Administration, Merchandising, Business, or other related field and/or related experience preferred.

Skills:
Merchandising skills preferred
Trend Analysis and problem solving skills are required
Strong team building skills
Strong organization skills
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Strong time management skills with a sense of urgency

Key Responsibilities 1. Maintains and monitors purchase orders including item set up and keying in addition to daily contact with the distribution center to determine current receipts, rush delivery to stores, resolve any problem receipts, arranging for timely delivery returns to original source in cases of incorrect receipts.
2. Track sales; analyze reports, discusses information with the buyer in timely fashion and makes basic re-order recommendations.
3. Assists the Buyer by preparing recommendations for next season’s assortments based on analysis of selling history and coming seasons sales plans.
4. Monitor basic stock inventory and sales within stores; maintain model stock levels within the stores;project future receipts and sales of basic stock.
5. Responds pro-actively to poor sellers and advises store management teams as appropriate. Manages markdown process and communicates variances to Buyer 6. Communicates findings to the Buyer, Store Operations team members, GMM, and VP of Retail.
7. Sets goals for department based on plan and anticipated sell through
8. Learns how to determine mark up and price changes on products
9. Review and analyze current sales trends and compare and contrast the data against sales history including reviewing sales by department and reviewing sales by style.
10. Works with the Buyer and the Visual team on store communications.

Posted By: Audrey Donaldson

 ASSISTANT BUYER - RETAIL, POTTERY BARN OUTEL (SF)

Location: San Francisco, CA, US

Requisition Number: PB-5484
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Division: Corporate Pottery Barn
Position Type: Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

Position Summary
Execute business strategies set by VP/DMM of Outlets. Create quarterly direct purchase assortment plans to maximize sales and profits. Identify opportunities to transfer Pottery Barn branded products to drive margin and profits for the division. Coordinate and communicate information across team functions. Collaborate with Brand’s Inventory Management, Merchandising, Sourcing, Visual, and Store Operations Teams to ensure processes and timelines are met.
Support total team to foster team spirit.

Specific Responsibilities
• Manage department or department’s direct purchase assortments.
• Analyze sales trends for recommendations on assortment purchases and pricing strategies.
• Identify and recommend new business opportunities to drive future growth.
• Communicate weekly selling updates and mark down recommendations.
• Execute weekly markdowns to improve inventory turns.
• Select seasonal and core product assortment for assigned department or departments.
• Collaborate with Brand Merchants and Brand Partners for best seller suggestions and transfer products.
• Create and maintain merchandising assortment plans for assigned departments.
• Create and maintain buy plans for assigned departments under director’s guidance.
• Execute SKU creation and SKU updates for assigned departments.
• Ensure and update systems of Outlet prices to be below Brand pricing per Outlet Strategies.
• Execute our liability product process for assigned departments to align with monthly OBT.
• Collaborate, and execute the Brand Transfer Product process (OMEGA) for departments.
• Create weekly promotions and signage for assigned departments to drive weekly sale events.
• Build Visual Merchandising Map to execute quarterly store floor layouts.
• Create forecast buy plans by SKU for department buy plans to roll to total budget’s plan.
• Create and write POs for assigned departments and track POs to ensure on time delivery.
• Provide Allocation Team final assortment plans and product details.
• Communicate to cross functional partners any product changes that can effect areas.
• Correspond with functional areas to resolve, handle and escalate difficult issues on product quality issues, re-ticketing issues, or customer service needs.
• Coordinate with Store Operation for disseminating information through appropriate channels.
• Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input. Ensure timely SKU set up.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications
• BA/BS Required
• Previous experience in retail merchandising or degree in merchandising
• Advanced Excel Skills
• Advanced Retail Math Skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in fast-paced, often-changing flexible environment.
Personal Competencies
Global Business Acumen – Understand the complexity of business on a global scale. Embrace cultural and individual differences with empathy. Work with the nuances of specific local cultures to make informed decisions.

Strategic and Analytical Capability -- Ability to think globally, strategically, and objectively. Effectively translates data into actionable insights, strategies and financial plans.

Leading Teams -- Attracts, develops and motives the talent needed for current and future business requirements. Articulates an inspiring vision for the future, establishes high performance expectations and sets example through own behavior. Ensures alignment of individual goals with overall business objectives. Coaches team members to success and holds individuals accountable for achieving results.

Drive for Results -- Credibility earned through delivering results. Balances urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, taking initiative to resolve problems and work quality. Demonstrates high initiative and provides leadership in a project-oriented environment.

Effective Communication -- Communicates clearly and effectively with associates at all levels, board members, external partners and customers. Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and to tailor key messages and presentation style to multiple audiences.

Influence and Collaboration -- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company. Able to work through complex disagreements and conflict to achieve resolution. Builds trust by including others and by keeping the cross-functional teams focused on the success of the entire company.

Nearest Major Market: San Francisco 
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland 
Job Segment: Procurement, Merchandising, Retail Sales, Buyer, Operations, Retail

Posted By: Audrey Donaldson

ASSISTANT BUYER - DTC, POTTERY BARN

Location: San Francisco, CA, US

Requisition Number: PB-5360
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Division: Corporate Pottery Barn
Position Type: Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Company
Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

Position Summary
Assists Buyer with established business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales, and profits for a department and/or product category. Assistant Buyers also work closely with cross-functional partners to coordinate the flow of information.
Specific Responsibilities
This position is responsible for, but not limited to the following:
• Manages testing, ranking, and updates for Product Information Pages, silos, YMALs, thumbnail changes and category hierarchy through UAT for all skus.
• Ensures accuracy of sku databases and reporting of sku cost information while communicating changes to cross-functional partners.
• Supports the DTC team with catalog proofs and pagination by ensuring accuracy of sku information and images.
• Works closely with the Buyer to provide Inventory Management with final assortment plans, product details, target retails, estimated IMU, and importance to overall assortment (big bets) for developing purchase projections and buy plans.
• Works with cross-functional partners in Inventory, Sourcing, Product Development, Product Information, and Merchandise Operations to coordinate and update sku information, purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations, markdowns, and also ensures product quality.
• Tracks catalog photos, eCommerce photos, and product development samples while coordinating asset availability with the team and cross-functional partners.
• Prioritizes and manage multiple calendars, deadlines and project or reporting requests from cross-functional partners.
• Resolves and escalates difficult issues to Buyer, Distribution Center, or Customer Care Center.
• May be responsible to managing a small category and attending catalog and eCommerce photo shoots.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications
• BA/BS
• Previous experience in a retail buying office, or a related experience.
• Displays forward thinking, problem solving, and a sense of urgency.
• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

Personal Competencies
Global Business Acumen – Understand the complexity of business on a global scale. Embrace cultural and individual differences with empathy. Work with the nuances of specific local cultures to make informed decisions.

Strategic and Analytical Capability -- Ability to think globally, strategically, and objectively. Effectively translates data into actionable insights, strategies and financial plans.

Leading Teams -- Attracts, develops and motives the talent needed for current and future business requirements. Articulates an inspiring vision for the future, establishes high performance expectations and sets example through own behavior. Ensures alignment of individual goals with overall business objectives. Coaches team members to success and holds individuals accountable for achieving results.

Drive for Results -- Credibility earned through delivering results. Balances urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, taking initiative to resolve problems and work quality. Demonstrates high initiative and provides leadership in a project-oriented environment.

Effective Communication -- Communicates clearly and effectively with associates at all levels, board members, external partners and customers. Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and to tailor key messages and presentation style to multiple audiences.

Influence and Collaboration -- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company. Able to work through complex disagreements and conflict to achieve resolution. Builds trust by including others and by keeping the cross-functional teams focused on the success of the entire company.

Nearest Major Market: San Francisco 
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland 
Job Segment: Procurement, Merchandising, Retail Sales, Buyer, Operations, Retail, Customer Service

Posted by: Audrey Donaldson

ASSISTANT BUYER - RETAIL, POTTERY BARN KIDS (SF)

Location: San Francisco, CA, US

Requisition Number: PK-5580
Area of Interest: Merchandising
Division: Corporate Pottery Barn Kids
Position Type: Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

Position Summary

Assist Buyer with developing business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for a department or assigned area. Identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for department. Coordinates information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. Handles visual signage (new, specials, markdowns). Coordinates production of in-store collateral and product information binders. Attends and participates in Design meetings. May manage one program or small department.

Specific Responsibilities

* Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles and escalates difficult issues to Buyer, Call Center and Stores.
* Summarize and communicate merchandising information for store newsletters and emails. Coordinate with Store Operation for disseminating information through appropriate channels.
* Work with Visual to create signage and in-store collateral. Provide Visual with product information (facts, inspiration, pricing). Coordinate the development all signage (new, special, markdowns) and all in-store collateral.
* Communicate pre-ticketing instructions to Sourcing and Production. Provide Inventory Management with pre-ticketing prices.
* Provide Merch Coordinator with product information (facts, pricing) to create Product Information sheets.
* Assist the Buyer with developing the seasonal assortment plans (line lists) to define product requirements for Design.
* Assist Buyer and Inventory Management to provide Sourcing and Production Management with purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs.
* Assist Buyer with providing Inventory Management with final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets) and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans. Update document and ensure accuracy.
* Investigate and respond to field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Newsletters.
* Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on product and issues.
* Analyze market (domestic) and provide observations of market to Buyer for market analyses.
* Identify and recommend new products or business opportunities.
* Make recommendations to assist Buyer with developing seasonal and core product mix for department or area. Participate in the development of annual and seasonal financial plans.
* Recommend floor layouts to Buyer.
* Assist Buyer and Inventory Management with determining appropriate adjustments (markdowns, delivery changes and quantity changes) to the plan to maximize sales, profits, budget (OTB) and to protect the brand. Recommend contest ideas and coordinate awards and in-store collateral.
* Assist Buyer with providing information to Visual on in-store promotion strategies and placement of markdown goods.
* Handles escalated customer service issues.
* Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input.
* May be responsible to manage and oversee small department or area.
* Works with the Visual Packaging team to deliver on time artwork to the vendor. Approves artwork and/or works with Protective Packaging team to create packaging for easily damaged items.
* Order input and order tracking (once goods have left the port).
* Work with Production Manager/Sourcing to ensure timely delivery and/or changes to delivery.
* Responsible for approving catalog proofs for each season (pricing, naming, copy).

Personal Competencies

Global Business Acumen - Understand the complexity of business on a global scale. Embrace cultural and individual differences with empathy. Work with the nuances of specific local cultures to make informed decisions.

Strategic and Analytical Capability -- Ability to think globally, strategically, and objectively. Effectively translates data into actionable insights, strategies and financial plans.

Leading Teams -- Attracts, develops and motives the talent needed for current and future business requirements. Articulates an inspiring vision for the future, establishes high performance expectations and sets example through own behavior. Ensures alignment of individual goals with overall business objectives. Coaches team members to success and holds individuals accountable for achieving results.

Drive for Results -- Credibility earned through delivering results. Balances urgent and effective action, commitment to excellence, taking initiative to resolve problems and work quality. Demonstrates high initiative and provides leadership in a project-oriented environment.

Effective Communication -- Communicates clearly and effectively with associates at all levels, board members, external partners and customers. Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way and to tailor key messages and presentation style to multiple audiences.

Influence and Collaboration -- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships at multiple levels in the company. Able to work through complex disagreements and conflict to achieve resolution. Builds trust by including others and by keeping the cross-functional teams focused on the success of the entire company.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
* BA/BS required.
* Previous experience in a retail buying office, or a related experience.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland
Job Segment: Procurement, Artist, Merchandising, Buyer, Operations, Creative, Retail

Posted By: Audrey Donaldson

Buying Intern (LA)

E-Commerce start-up company: glint & gleam (www.glintandgleam.com) focusing in women's jewelry and accessories seeks a Buying Intern to assist executive buyer with daily tasks including, but not limited to:
-Product descriptions/copy writing
-Occasional Buying trips
-Product styling & assortment planning
-Creating sales events
-Inventory management
-Vendor relations

No prior experience required, but we're looking for a candidate who possesses the following qualifications:
-Studying fashion and/or is interested in working in the fashion industry
-Experience in fashion/retail
-Knowledge of e-commerce and online shopping
-Creative and has an eye for fashion/Trend Conscious
-Great verbal and written communication skills
-Great at time management and multitasking
-Loves women's accessories & Loves to shop
-and of course, is fun and a pleasure to work with!

We are looking for someone to start immediately and can work minimum 3~5 hours/day for 3 days from Monday - Friday. We are willing to work around other work or school schedule.

This is an internship position, but has the potential to become part time or full time, depending on the growth of the company.

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter

Location of work: Downtown Los angeles (Fashion district) 10 Fwy & San Pedro Street
Hiring Organization: Glint & Gleam

Posted by: Manilette Uy-

Dot & Bo Merchant/ Buyer Intern

We are currently seeking a Merchandising Intern with a solid background in retail merchandising and strategic buying. If you are excited about helping to create the next big e-Commerce brand and are comfortable in a fast-paced environment with no bureaucracy, we'd like to hear from you.

Job Responsibilities:

• Help drive sales through the selection of product, pricing, promotion for greatest return on investment
• Play a key role in helping grow our target category business
• Foster relationships with a large portfolio of vendors
• Perform market analysis, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends 
• Identify opportunities for continued growth in the business model

Required Qualifications:

• Strong interest in pursuing a buying or merchandising position as a career
• Passionate about home décor with a strong sense of home trends in editorial and retail
• Experience researching decorative prices through historical price databases a plus
• Great communicator who is able to share and sell ideas both internally and externally
• Good understanding of business financials and the levers to manage profitability
• Analytical with a strong interest in learning more about merchandising and eCommerce
• An entrepreneurial self-starter who can think innovatively and take the ball and run with it; all   the while maintaining a positive attitude

Posted by: Manilette Uy

Urban Outfitters SUMMER 2012 Internships (PA)

Spring/Summer 2012 Internships

Are you a college student interested in an internship in Philly with URBN Inc. (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, or BHLDN) next summer? Now is your chance! We are currently accepting applications to receive an invitation for the URBN Internship Recruiting Day that will take place in early January 2012.

Students must submit their resume along with a cover letter that answers the questions below. In addition, all candidates will need to present an inspiration board via e-mail (8.5 x 11 pdf) that demonstrates their understanding of their chosen brand. We ask that you be creative with the inspiration board, there are no major guidelines. We want to know what inspires you whether it is magazine tears, pictures, descriptive words, etc. Be creative and HAVE FUN with it. Resume, cover letter, and inspiration board should be submitted in 1 PDF. Designers should also submit work samples, and anything additional that makes your application more compelling is welcomed (please just keep in mind the 1 PDF guideline).

Send submissions to: yournamehere@urbn.comby December 2nd. (Yes, that's the actual address!)

Cover letter must include answers to the following questions in order to be considered:

• Why choose URBN for your internship?
• Which brand do you identify most with (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, or BHLDN) and why?
• For the brand you chose, what are three other places our customer would go for inspiration (other than our stores) and why?
• What type of internship are you interested in (Design, Buying, Technical Design, Product Development/Production, Planning, Stylist, Photography, Operations, PR*, Merchandising, IT)? Scroll down below for brief descriptions on each.
• Are you able to receive school credit over the 2012 summer session?

Applications will not be considered without an inspiration board, and work samples (if appropriate).

If you are selected for an interview, we'll notify you on or about December 10th with the details for our Internship Recruiting Day. If you are unable to attend our recruiting day, we will try to accommodate you at another time, but cannot guarantee it. You MUST be selected for an interview in order to attend the recruiting day " if you aren't on the list, you won't get to interview with us. Sorry, no exceptions.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER VIA THE BUTTONS BELOW, AS RESUMES SUBMITTED HERE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ABOVE.

Internship Descriptions Is this you?
Creator	The Design intern will assist in the development of product including: Helping with the organization of samples and trims Setting up and maintaining design books Working with overseas factory shipments
Visionary	The Buying intern will be responsible for: Attending Open to Buy, Styleouts, Design Flow, and Finalizations Purchase order management, including PO entry Sample management - maintain samples (on order and in-store)
Builder	Technical Design interns will: Measure samples and input to Web PDM Update tech manuals and sew basic styles as directed Collect patterns, mockups, samples and paperwork for packages
Task Master	Product Development/ Production intern responsibilities include: Tracking of garments with overseas factories Production sample management Acting as liaison between buyers and vendors on purchase orders
Analyst	The Retail Planning intern (for web and catalog) will: Analyze inventory and reporting Create styles Issue purchase orders and manage revisions
Decorator	The Stylist intern responsibilities include: Styling on photo sets Logging product and cataloging items Product prep and clean up
Photographer	Photo Studio interns will: Take photography at shoots Set up and breakdown of photo sets Digital Technology
Collaborator	Store Operations interns will: Support new the store openings pre-planning process Provide administrative support for current store operations projects Gather communication for weekly store mailpacks
Networker	Interns will participate in the PR program including: Media relations and events (must be familiar with media outlets) Sample traffic Media monitoring *PR intern positions are located in NYC.
Storyteller	The Merchandising intern will: Scan imagery and input data for the media library Organize creative presentations for product stories for web team Trend Researchto support bi-annual presentations
Solutions Architect	The Information Technology intern will: Provide support to existing IT Groups Learn computer systems and software in fast-paced environment Assist in the analysis of fashion / retail technology solutions

If any of the above options are not of interest to you, feel free to let us know what type of internship you are looking for but please realize we may not offer internships in that area.

Thanks for your interest in the URBN Inc. Internship program and GOOD LUCK!!

Posted by Jennifer Hernandez