Associate Buyer

Roger’s Enterprises, Inc. is a growing fine jewelry chain with over 70 stores throughout the extended Midwest. Founded in 1910, this family owned company operates under the names Rogers & Hollands Jewelers and Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers. Our reputation has been built with three guiding principles: fairness, honesty and integrity. We are seeking individuals with the desire to succeed and to share in the rewards of being part of our winning team!

Summary

The Associate Buyer role will work side by side with our Bridal Buyer on allocation, purchasing and distribution of bridal, anniversary bands and estate merchandise. Along with the Buyer, you will make decisions on what we buy, from whom, and in what quantities. You will partner with the bridal buyer on the broader bridal assortment, helping our stores deliver the right pieces for our guests' most meaningful milestones

This role is for an Associate with jewelry experience who is ready to make buying decisions, back them with data, and grow into larger merchandising responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Allocation, distribution and inventory

• Assist with product allocation and distribution to stores.
• Assist with merchandise projections and placement.
• Process all breakouts, assemblies and adjustments to render merchandise into stock.
• Decide which estate pieces to acquire & keep, and set retail pricing within company margin guidelines.
• Prepare locator inventory and general inventory counts.

Vendor and store partnership

• Join vendor calls and meetings; prepare vendor reports.
• Process all returns to vendor (RTVs) and obtain RA numbers.
• Resolve store and vendor issues, including deciding on replacements, credits and exceptions within company guidelines.

Purchasing and product setup

• Manage item creation and purchase orders, including for the bridal showcase events.
• Process vendor confirmations
• Monitor pricing and tags for accuracy.
• Manage the open purchase order report.
• Maintain item templates in the system.
• Work with vendors to acquire product images for our system and website.

Buyer support

• Serve as back-up to the Bridal Buyer.
• Analyze sales, inventory and sell-through to decide what to reorder, mark down or exit.
• Prepare merchandise projections and recommend assortment changes for the full bridal category.
• Make bridal buying decisions on behalf of the Bridal Buyer when they are out.
• Other duties as assigned.

Growth and Development

This role is a path to Buyer. As you deliver results, your categories, authority and exposure across the merchandising department grow.

1. Take on ownership. Manage defined categories or vendors more independently and contribute to assortment and allocation decisions.
2. Build buying and planning skills. Expand sales and inventory analysis, open-to-buy, margin management and trend forecasting alongside the buying team.
3. Grow your expertise. Deepen your diamond and fine jewelry knowledge through hands-on experience, vendor training and industry education.

We invest in Associates who invest in themselves. Expect regular conversations with your leader about your goals, progress and next steps.

Who We're Looking For

Mindset

• Genuine interest in building a long-term career in merchandising and buying.
• Eager to learn, ask questions and take on new responsibilities.
• Takes initiative and follows through without being asked twice.
• Flexible and adaptable; comfortable with shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years of jewelry experience.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
• Ability to solve problems with store and vendor issues.
• Strong people skills; this role partners daily with vendors, stores, other departments and occasionally our guests.

Education

• College degree preferred, ideally in business, merchandising, fashion or a related field.

Communication skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Analytical skills

• Strong analytical and math skills, with an interest in using sales and inventory data to make decisions.

Technical skills

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to learn new systems quickly.

Work Environment

• Full-time, in person, weekday hours
• Night and weekend hours during peak periods.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.