Assistant Buyer II

Welcome to Ross Stores, Inc., where our differences make us stronger… At Ross and dd’s, inclusion is a way of life. We care about our Associates and the communities we serve and we value their differences. We are committed to building diverse teams and an inclusive culture. We respect and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and ideas of those who work and shop with us. Come join us as we continue our diversity, equality and inclusion journey!

ASSISTANT BUYER II

About Ross Stores, Inc.

At Ross Stores, Inc. our focus has always been bringing our customers a constant stream of high-quality brands and trends at extraordinary savings, while providing a fun and exciting treasure hunt experience. We believe in keeping things simple: no expensive signage, displays or fancy fixtures - to us, it's far more meaningful to pass greater savings on to our customers with on-trend apparel, accessories, footwear, and home furnishings. With more than 2,000 stores, including Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS, we are the nation's largest off-price retail chain, and we continue to grow at a rate far outpacing traditional retail.

We have three buying offices positioned in key markets in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston. With FY2021 revenues of $18.9 billion, we are a Fortune 500, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 Company, committed to offering an inclusive, safe and positive workplace. Come see what's in store.

At Ross you will find an organization that invites you to be your authentic self. As part of the Ross family you will experience:

• A respectful culture embedded with collaborative partnerships and humility
• Opportunities to give back to your community through national charities and local volunteer initiatives
• A significant investment in your career through extensive onboarding programs, continuous learning opportunities, ongoing development and the opportunity to work with engaged and knowledgeable industry leaders

Addition information is available at: https://jobs.rossstores.com/creative/about

About this opportunity...

The Assistant Buyer II functions as the operational extension of assigned buyers(s). This includes heavy interaction with vendors in terms of both problem resolution and purchasing of product, managing the purchase order cycle (i.e., writing the order, tracking key orders from shipment to the distribution center) through to analyzing its performance. The expectation is to prepare the incumbent for promote-ability to associate buyer and as future bench strength for buyer position.

The base salary range for this role is $74,000 - $78,000. The base salary range is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards vary by position and location.

Responsibilities...

• Responsible for building effective relationships and credibility with vendors. This includes heavy interaction with vendors in terms of both problem resolution, follow-up and frequent contact, always eliciting critical product and market information.
• Demonstrates knowledge of statistics, making appropriate callouts and recommendations that drive business to buyer based on observations. Effectively utilizes and manages merchandising systems and displays thorough understanding of warehouse processes.
• Performs the operational functions supporting a designated buyer(s). Responsible for purchase order management and administration as well as processing markdowns. This includes writing orders, changes, cancellations and necessary follow-up (both internally and externally) to ensure key shipments are delivered and processed. Provides on-going analysis and interpretation of key business issues. This includes monitoring regional merchandise reports, Open-to-Buy monitoring, stock analysis and other ad hoc analyses.
• Demonstrates product knowledge through sharing information with buyer as a result of competitive shopping, shopping Ross Stores, and the market. Applies product knowledge to initiate and seek out new resources as well as develop creative methods of sourcing product
• Demonstrates knowledge of the concept of liquidity. This includes the ability to manage the Open-to-Buy to ensure the availability of having liquidity for opportunistic buys. Responsible for accurately representing liquidity, and adhering to purchase order management policies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of packaway strategy to offset additional costs of storing merchandise (e.g., additional dating, vendor holding merchandise etc.). Understands the concept of budgeting and release of packaway merchandise.
• Maintains planned receipt flow on a consistent basis. Is aware of when merchandise is being received and makes appropriate flow issue call outs to buyer. Insures adherence to scheduled shipping windows

Who you are...

• You have a Bachelor's degree and 1-2 years prior merchant/ Assistant Buyer experience, either buying in regional-size retailer (or Associate Buyer in large retail chain)
• You have thorough knowledge of merchandising and understand the technical aspects of merchandising
• You have strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• You demonstrate proficiency in negotiation skills
• You have strong retail math skills
• You have strong analytical and conceptual skills; ability to independently analyze business and make recommendations
• You possess highly effective written and verbal communication
• You possess strong PC/Microsoft Office skills, with an emphasis on Excel spreadsheet application

Perks and Benefits of joining our team...

Our Associates are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer a range of benefits that reflect how much we value their contributions. Here's a peek into what you can expect as an eligible Ross Associate:

• A broad range of affordable health insurance options*, 401(k) with employer match*, life insurance*
• Ample PTO, paid holidays, and Summer Fridays, as well as the opportunity to purchase additional vacation*
• Employee stock purchase plan*
• Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation
• Enhanced maternity and bonding leaves with 100% income replacement*
• Parent support programs
• And more....

** -- eligibility may vary based on level and tenure, subject to change

This role requires regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration, client support, mentoring, coaching, and/or feedback.

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