Job Description

Overview:
Reporting to the Director of Merchandising, the successful Furniture Buyer will be accountable for the development and execution of the furniture portfolio for Leon's. Responsibilities include assortment development, product sourcing, contract negotiations, merchandising, marketing, and financial performance. Responsibilities:

• The development and execution of a robust assortment plan and strategy to achieve financial targets, including product category development, product assortment plan, and global sourcing strategies
• Strong negotiating skills appropriate for engagement with vendors at all levels of management to achieve best in class terms and prime market positioning.
• Ongoing market intelligence and category review. This position is responsible to analyze and understand the competitive retail market relative to the product portfolio, understand North American market trends, identify new business opportunities, and ensure a continued competitive product assortment.
• Supply chain and inventory accountability, including management of promotional in-stock positions, product demand forecasting, product transitions and inventory clearance.
• Development, implementation and maintenance of retail store inventory and display planning strategies to maximize sales by location.
• Creation and implementation of marketing materials and promotional offers for the portfolio, including product content and pricing. The candidate will collaborate extensively with the marketing department for marketing events and media (including digital).
• Store merchandising review - ensure all guidelines are met and maintained with regard to signage, showroom display, price tags, product, etc.
• Financial accountability including analysis and reporting of sales data, margins, profitability, and inventory performance for the portfolio.
• Development and implementation of product knowledge training nationally. Development of direct ship and expanded assortment strategies for the portfolio.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education an asset
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Extensive knowledge of the Home Furnishing industry and retail markets
• Highly developed time management and organizational skills
• Ability to travel as required.
• Knowledge of the North American market with previous large scale procurement experience preferred
• Articulate, assertive and able to build effective working relationships with vendors and colleagues
• Minimum 5 years retail industry experience required
• Knowledge of inventory management with preference given to candidates with previous merchandising experience
• Ability to initiate, develop, present, deliver and evaluate strategic plans and programs successfully
• Confident and proven negotiation skills
• Developed analytical abilities, specifically regarding financial performance and sales analysis
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc)
• Developed knowledge and competence in retail systems; extensive knowledge of MMHF/POSPLUS operating systems beneficial (Internal posting only).

Skills Required