The Assistant Buyer is assisting the Buyer in all facets of product assortment planning, financial planning, and vendor partnerships to maximize corporate sales volume, gross margin, and turnover objectives.

• Data entry needs for all categories in division including, but not limited to SKU set up, PO entry/maintenance, and overall data accuracy.
• Assist Buyer in purchase order management, vendor interaction, product selection and marketing functions.
• Make any revisions on purchase orders or canceling of purchase orders and notify vendor of changes based on direction from the buyer and planner.
• Notify current vendors of any revisions needed of items and request revised samples.
• Maintain photo database for all SKUs.
• Manage samples ensuring they are properly tagged and organized.
• Follow up with Marketing on all items that are in Kirkland’s boxing as well as each vendor to ensure they receive all needed information.
• Attend all vendor meeting to establish partnerships, document pertinent discussions, and review samples and trend reports
• Follow up on damaged products or packaging issues communicated by stores or warehouse. Notify the buyer of the extent of the problem and determine what actions need to be taken.
• Research comparative prices for items ordered in order to present optimal pricing, market comparison and trend analysis to the buyer
• Track all shipments and estimated times of arrival notifying Buyer of any late shipments to optimize inventory flow and on time product sets
• Recap weekly business metrics identifying successes and opportunities with supporting sales data
• Execute all tasks with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Kirkland’s Values
• Other duties as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Interior Design, or related field preferred. Combination of education and work experience considered.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an accurate and organized manner.
• Strong ability to multi-task and support multiple departments and team members.
• Must be flexible and willing to switch priorities quickly.
• Enjoys working in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to 45 pounds or more on a regular basis
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb and lift to stock and retrieve merchandise samples from stockroom on a regular basis