The Buyer is responsible for owning and driving the performance of assigned merchandise categories. This role manages the processes necessary to achieve sales, margin, and inventory turnover goals while leading assortment planning, product selection, product development, vendor negotiations, and marketing support for designated product lines. The Buyer collaborates closely with cross-functional partners—including buying leadership, planning & allocation, marketing, visual merchandising, global sourcing, and merchandising operations—to maximize profitability and shareholder value.

Business Ownership & Strategy

• Execute sales, margin, and inventory plans for assigned merchandise areas.
• Monitor performance vs. plan and respond quickly to issues and opportunities.
• Maintain knowledge of industry, home décor trends, and competitor activities to inform assortment and business decisions.

Assortment Planning & Product Development

• Lead customer-driven assortment planning across designated categories.
• Execute product selection and contribute to product development initiatives.
• Identify competitive trends and recommend new product opportunities.

Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Build and maintain strong vendor partnerships in alignment with Kirkland’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
• Negotiate product cost, subsidy structures, terms, and delivery parameters.
• Ensure timely acquisition of samples and provide direction during advertising turn-ins and proofing processes.
• Collaborate with placement teams to ensure on-time delivery of merchandise.

Cross-Functional Partnerships

• Partner with planning to evaluate forecasts, receipts, sales, and markdowns.
• Work with visual merchandising, marketing, and buying leadership to support promotional strategies and in-store execution.

Pricing, Promotion & Markdown Management

• Monitor and assess performance of promotional strategies.
• Manage and communicate markdown decisions and variances.

Analytics & Business Reporting

• Analyze category performance, sales trends, key item performance, vendor profitability, and aged inventory to drive strategic improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in buying, planning, or merchandise placement within retail or a related field.
• Strong merchandising, product evaluation, and analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows-based applications.
• Retail math literacy and the ability to apply financial concepts to daily business decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move up to 45 pounds or more.