Merchandise Associate Buyer, The Disney Store North America

About the Role and Team:

At Disney Consumer Products, we inspire imagination around the world and are committed to creating happiness for families and fans by bringing captivating, inspiring, and inclusive products into their daily lives! From toys to t-shirts, console games, books, and more, our team brings our beloved brands and franchises into the lives of families through products and experiences that can be found worldwide, such as the Disney Store e-commerce platform, Disney Parks, local and international retailers, and Disney Store locations around the world.

The Associate Buying Manager assists the Buying Manager and Senior Manager in the creation of assortments for Disney Store (Online and Brick & Mortar Locations), flagship stores, and 3rd party marketplaces. You will assist in the development and execution of the merchandise assortment strategy for the assigned department that supports the sales volume targets. A successful candidate will have a keen understanding of brands, product categories, and consumer segments within the regional marketplace. The individual exhibits strong organizational skills, prioritization, and communication skills. Build and maintain cross-functional partnerships with teams that support the region’s channels. This role will report to the Senior Manager – Buying.

What You Will Do:
• Manage the development and execution of merchandise assortment strategy for assigned categories of business that support the department’s sales volume
• Build quarterly competitive/trend shopping analysis at the category level across all channels and regional markets for Buying or Associate Buying Manager
• Maintain an understanding of our competition and identify growth opportunities for responsible categories
• Support Buying Manager with Disney Store Exclusive Development: assist in Ideation, roadmap creation, and assortment strategy
• Achieve and drive merchandise assortments that meet global, digital, and regional customer needs aligned with the overall department strategy, resulting in increased earnings
• Partner with planning to maximize margin rate and manage product life cycle. Secure marketing and markdown funding and negotiate RTVs as needed
• Review seasonal investment strategy by market with Inventory Management to ensure big ideas and growth drivers are protected
• Identify business opportunities and risks in season by analyzing and communicating sales performance and gathering marketplace information
• Build relationships with omnichannel partners, including Site Merchandising, Marketplaces, Stores, Marketing, and Guest Services, the department’s Coordinator, and escalates shipment issues in a timely manner.
• Manage vendor set-ups to ensure the department’s product strategy is executed properly
• Build relationships with key licensing partners to augment product assortments
• Responsible for managing range plan assortment and ensuring accuracy
• Track delivery of all category POs in partnership with Production and department’s Coordinator and escalate shipment issues in a timely manner
• Manage vendor set ups as needed
• Utilize quarterly business plans to select weekly product features for the homepage and Emails (JIRA) for assigned Departments
• Assist in managing the production and photo sample process along with the e-commerce turnover process with the department’s Coordinator. Provide recommendations for lifestyle photoshoot needs and secure images and copy points from vendors that support brand digital strategy
• Partner with site merchandising to ensure assortment discovery. Proof site assets and product pages
• Manage and mentor direct reports, ensuring regular objectives are set and reviewed and feedback is given

Required Qualifications & Skills:
• Minimum 2 years experience in buying, merchandising, product development, and/or sourcing
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker with a strong financial aptitude
• Good understanding of brand and property positioning
• Capable of leading and developing high performing teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong computer skills, specifically within Excel
• Strong Team Player – The ability to build & foster collaborative partnerships across functions & departments
• Able to handle multiple tasks/assignments

Preferred Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $64,300.00 to $86,200.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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