About the position The Associate Buyer leads the product selection for an identified product category utilizing customer and trend information to support the merchandise strategies of the division. The Associate Buyer partners with the Buyer and Assortment Planner to achieve financial objectives. As a member of the team, the Associate Buyer shares accountability to meet and exceed departmental sales volume, gross margin, and gross-margin-return-on-investment (GMROI) targets. A day in the life… Develop an understanding of the needs, wants and expectations of the customer and understand the differences in how they shop by channel Build an understanding of the market and competitors in their category Execute a seasonal merchandise strategy in collaboration with Buyer and Assortment Planner based on customer, fashion trend, and input from E-commerce Merchandiser and Retail Director that drives growth for stores and online Build compelling core and extended assortment to maximize potential across store clusters, new stores, and online Influence merchandising vision and product priorities for stores, online merchandising teams, and marketing to drive engagement across all customer touch points Communicate customer and product vision to suppliers, identify new suppliers, and negotiate partnership expectations and profit opportunities Partner in the execution of Nordstrom Product Group strategies, providing current and future assortment feedback where applicable Align with buying team on open-to-buy management and plan revisions to achieve financial targets and strategic objective Influence and mentor assistants

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of the needs, wants and expectations of the customer and understand the differences in how they shop by channel
• Build an understanding of the market and competitors in their category
• Execute a seasonal merchandise strategy in collaboration with Buyer and Assortment Planner based on customer, fashion trend, and input from E-commerce Merchandiser and Retail Director that drives growth for stores and online
• Build compelling core and extended assortment to maximize potential across store clusters, new stores, and online
• Influence merchandising vision and product priorities for stores, online merchandising teams, and marketing to drive engagement across all customer touch points
• Communicate customer and product vision to suppliers, identify new suppliers, and negotiate partnership expectations and profit opportunities
• Partner in the execution of Nordstrom Product Group strategies, providing current and future assortment feedback where applicable
• Align with buying team on open-to-buy management and plan revisions to achieve financial targets and strategic objective
• Influence and mentor assistants

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising (preferred)
• 1+ years of experience as an Assistant Buyer and 1 or more of the following: Assistant Assortment Planner, Assistant Replenishment Buyer, E-commerce Merchandiser, or Site Merchandiser
• Nordstrom experience (preferred)
• Expertise in merchandise category (preferred)
• Demonstrated understanding of retail and the service environment of Nordstrom
• Proficiency in MS Office suite
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong business acumen, ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and strong math skills
• Travel expectation and in office expectation
• Time in role (18 months)

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising (preferred)
• Nordstrom experience (preferred)
• Expertise in merchandise category (preferred)

Benefits

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
• 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more.