Assistant Buyer

Position closes on Friday, 1 October 2010

Location: Beverly MA.
Company: Appleseed's
Reports To: Buyer

Position Summary:
Responsible to provide administrative and clerical assistance to the buying staff in the selection, purchasing, and developing of product for company catalogs, including assisting with the process from concept through delivery of merchandise, working closely with other selection buyers, inventory control and re-buyers, product development, technical, distribution center, customer service, and catalog production department personnel, and with vendors to ensure a consistent and accurate flow of information and to trouble-shoot and track products, following established policies, procedures, practices, requirements, and standards.

Essential Responsibilities:
·    Adhere to the Apple Process Calendar to ensure all dates are met.
·    Attend Apple Process Meetings with buyer.
·    Provide selling analysis to the buyer on a regular basis.
·    Maintain and update the buyer’s assortment plans.
·    Maintain all changes and communicate to all involved.
·    Team with Product Development, Inventory Control and Technical to ensure proper information is gathered to begin the
     order process.
·    Maintain accurate information in planning system, Direct Tech.     
·    Initiate copy cards by gathering specific information on each product being bought or developed for the catalog.
·    Proof-read copy for each catalog, confirming all information is correct.
·    Work with vendors to obtain photo samples, sizing information, product details, and swatches.
·    Work with print production to prepare color review for art release.  Create swatch book for each catalog.
·    Resolve routine inquiries and issues from both within and outside the organization.
·    Ensure samples are properly gathered for catalog turnovers.  
·    Additional responsibilities will be assigned based on business needs.
·    Reviewing return rates and reasons.
·    Establishing and maintaining vendor files.
·    Reviewing items for possible liquidation.
·    Assist Buyer in achieving margin goals.
·    Maintaining samples for areas of responsibility in Sample Room.
·    Analyze competitors’ catalogs and retail store mixes.  
·    Schedule market appointments when necessary.

Essential Experience:
·    Bachelors degree or Associate Degree
·    Must have 3 or more years merchandising experience with progressive responsibility
·    Good computer skills and the ability to easily work with Excel and Word
·    Strong math skills are preferred in order to calculate mark-ups, etc.  
·    Must be organized and work well in a fast paced environment.
·    Must be able to multi-task and prioritize workload.

Orchard Brands offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package including Health/Dental insurance, Life, Long Term and short Term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401K match, EAP, and employee discount.  For consideration, please submit your resume, along with a cover letter and salary requirements to jobs@orchardbrands.com, fax to 800-673-8401.  Orchard Brands is an equal opportunity employer.