Assistant Buyer I at Ross Stores, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA

Summary: Ross Stores, Inc. is a leading off-price retail chain with a commitment to providing an inclusive work environment. The Assistant Buyer I role is designed to build foundational skills for a future career in merchandising, involving support activities for the buying team and basic analysis of key business data.

Responsibilities:
- Perform support activities for the buying team, such as purchase order management and processing markdowns, while building foundational merchant skills and learning the keys to becoming a successful merchant
- Provide basic analysis of key business data to the Buyer, including the use of retail math to understand the business, monitoring of regional merchandise reports, Open-To-Buy, stock analysis and other ad hoc analysis to project sales and inventory levels
- Learn the elements of negotiation and how we build relationships with our vendors. Develop effective relationships with vendors by participating in in person meetings. This includes following up on shipments and resolving problems to ensure product is delivered and processed as directed by the Buyer
- Begin to effectively utilize and understand the merchandising systems and warehouse process
- Develop and demonstrate foundational product knowledge through in person shopping at Ross Stores and at the competition. Utilize product knowledge to communicate to the Buyer new resources
- Track planned receipt flow on a consistent basis. Display awareness of when merchandise is being received and make call outs to Buyer
- Support Buyers in preparation of key business meetings (i.e. vendor appointments, style-outs, assortment planning) including formatting of reports

Required Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills: You can 'read the situation' you actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate the ability to build relationships
- Flexibility: You can pivot, are adaptable, and receptive to feedback
- Results Driven: You are tenacious, and achievement focused. You can prioritize your work and deliver it with accuracy
- Intellectually curious: You can analyze and draw conclusions, are a critical thinker, and see the big picture
- Resilient: You are persistent and persuasive. You stay focused on your goals and finding creative solutions to problems
- Enthusiasm for the product and retail business. Product is the center of what we do.... you must have an enthusiasm for the retail business and the product
- Analytical Mindset: Helping to run a business depends on analysis and retail math
- Bachelor's Degree required

Required Skills: Purchase Order Management, Markdown Processing, Retail Math, Merchandise Reporting, Open-To-Buy Analysis, Inventory Analysis, Vendor Negotiation, Merchandising Systems, Warehouse Process, Product Knowledge, Business Data Analysis

Benefits: A broad range of affordable health insurance options & personal medical plan concierge, 401(k) with employer match and Life insurance, Ample PTO including accrued vacation, paid holidays, diversity day, summer Fridays and the ability to purchase additional vacation., Employee stock purchase plan, Access to health and wellness benefits such as BetterHelp and Headspace, Charitable donations matched by Ross Stores Foundation, On-site parking paid for by the company, Access to a newly renovated on-site gym, free for all Ross Associates, Eligibility may vary based on level and tenure, subject to change