Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB

An Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB at DICK’S Sporting Goods is responsible for assisting in the development of category assortments and managing in-season business metrics. This role involves collaboration with the buying team, participating in vendor meetings, analyzing past season performance, and making informed recommendations. Additionally, you'll track vendor shipping and support operational tasks associated with new line delivery, ensuring that all merchandise aligns with the company's strategies.

To qualify for the Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB position at DICK’S Sporting Goods, you should have a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, merchandising, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent retail experience may also be acceptable. Candidates with 1-3 years of experience in retail, particularly at the store level, and previous experience in a buying or assistant buying role, will have a competitive edge.

The Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB contributes significantly to merchandise planning by collaborating with buyers in the category assortment process. This involves gathering and analyzing data to understand current trends and customer preferences, tracking sales performance, and making recommendations for future assortments. The role is vital in executing advertising strategies and ensuring that the given product assortment meets market demands.

Essential skills for the Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB role include strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills for effective vendor negotiations and collaboration with internal teams, and a knack for detail-oriented tasks such as reporting and data analysis. Additionally, being proactive, curious, and open to learning about market trends and retail strategies will significantly enhance your contribution to the team.

Working as an Assistant Buyer - Licensed MLB at DICK’S Sporting Goods means being part of a vibrant and inclusive culture where everyone’s contributions are valued. The environment encourages collaboration across various departments, fosters professional growth, and emphasizes the importance of sports in transforming lives. With diverse teams and a commitment to personal and professional development, you’ll find yourself in a motivational workplace focused on achieving success together.

When answering this question, highlight your relevant retail experiences, focusing on any roles where you dealt directly with product selection, customer engagement, or inventory management. Discuss specific skills you've gained, such as analyzing sales data or collaborating with teams to meet sales goals, leading into how these experiences prepare you for the responsibilities of an Assistant Buyer.

To effectively answer this question, share your strategies for researching industry trends—mentioning sources like market reports, competitor analysis, and attending trade shows. You can also discuss how you use social media and customer feedback to understand evolving consumer needs, showcasing your proactive approach in adapting to shifts in the market.

This is a great opportunity to provide a specific example of a data analysis experience. Structure your answer using the STAR method: Describe the Situation, the Task at hand, the Action you took in analyzing the data, and the Result of your decision. Emphasize your analytical process and any tools or methodologies you used to support your conclusions.

Discuss the importance of communication, respect, and understanding in vendor relationships. Mention how you would actively listen to their needs while also clearly communicating your expectations, along with your methods for building trust and collaboration. You might also mention any specific negotiation tactics you've learned from experience.

Explain your approach to prioritization, which may include assessing tasks based on deadlines, impact on business objectives, and urgency. Share a personal strategy you employ, such as using a task management tool or maintaining detailed schedules, and provide a relevant example of how you effectively managed conflicting priorities in your previous roles.

Provide a concrete example where you faced a sudden change—like a shift in consumer demand or an unexpected supply chain issue. Describe how you assessed the situation, collaborated with your team for solutions, and what strategies you implemented to adapt successfully. Highlight any positive outcomes resulting from your adaptability.

Emphasize that data analysis is crucial for informed decision-making in merchandising. It helps identify trends, track performance, forecast sales, and optimize inventory levels, all of which ultimately lead to more effective category assortments. Sharing any personal experiences or tools you've used for data analysis will enhance your answer.

Discuss your belief in the power of teamwork, showcasing instances where collaboration led to successful outcomes. You might reference specific strategies such as regular meetings, cross-functional projects, or shared goals that foster an inclusive and engaging environment, driving success in the buying office.

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) like sales velocity, margin percentages, inventory turnover, and customer feedback scores. Explain how you would analyze these metrics collectively to determine a product's performance and make informed buying decisions, demonstrating your analytical mindset.

When answering this question, express your passion for sports and how it aligns with DICK’S Sporting Goods brand values. Share your excitement about working with a leading retailer in the sports industry and your desire to contribute to a team that empowers athletes. Personal anecdotes about what DICK’S represents to you would make your answer more authentic.