Overview
The Buyer position is responsible for leading and managing the department level team. They set the merchandise assortment strategies, and partner with the Planner on the financial plan. The Buyer places all orders, sets the pricing strategies and partners with leadership and marketing to formulate the promotional calendar. Buyers work with the visual team on in-store placement to maximize sales and gross margin dollars. They act as the conduit of the customer and are experts on the competitive landscape. Buyers are responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships and negotiating costs and other related vendor support to drive the business.
What We Stand For
Established in 1978, The Container Store has grown to be the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States and the only national retailer solely devoted to the category. We provide creative, multifunctional, customizable storage and organization solutions that help our customers save time, save space and improve the quality of their lives. We foster a culture built around our Foundation Principles, which define how we approach our relationships with our employees, vendors, customers and communities and influence every aspect of our business.
Responsibilities
- Leads and guides Strategic Assortment Direction inclusive of assortment architecture; private/national brand mix; good, better, best balance; newness levels and general vision for the Departments growth and health.
- Researches industry trends and engages with the vendor community to stay current on trends
- Develops merchandising strategies to maintain competitive edge in the marketplace
- Reviews product performance and analyzes sales trends to develop a strategic course of action for stores and online
- Collaborates with Product Development Team to development and private label and proprietary product through strategic assortment line plans.
- Responsible for identifying vendors and establishing mutually beneficial vendor relationships
- Negotiates and obtains the best pricing and terms possible as well as product differentiation
- Leads and directs vendor meetings, communicating the processes, principles and values of The Container Store
- Understands our vendor compliance policies and practices and communicates these clearly to existing and future vendors
- Creates and maintains SKU and vendor information in our proprietary Merchandise Management System (MMS)
- Manages Associate Buyer(s) and Assistant Buyer(s), incorporating them in all aspects of the business
We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.
Here's a peek at what you can expect:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
- Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
- We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.
For our full-time associates, we offer even more:
- Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
- Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
- Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
- Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
- Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
- Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.
But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.
Qualifications
- College degree required
- Experience in the retail industry
- 5+ years’ experience in buying/merchandising
- Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth area on a hybrid schedule
- Ability to travel 10% a year, based on the business needs
- Strong knowledge of merchandising terminology, functions and analysis including retail math
- Ability to learn and comprehend merchandising systems, forecasting systems and the fundamentals of supply chain management and logistics
- Passion for consumer products and home décor with a high taste level and strong point of view in design and ability to articulate The Container Store brand
- Experience managing others including career development, directing and evaluating work
- Team oriented with a positive attitude that exemplifies our guiding principles
- Strong computer skills: proficiency in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and significant knowledge of Excel
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Company will not pay costs associated with immigration sponsorship.
The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Office Physical Requirements
State Specific Notices
