DVP-Merchandise Procurement-Strategic Sourcing

DVP-Merchandise Procurement-Strategic Sourcing

North Kansas City, Missouri

Will lead the planning and execution of merchandise procurement spanning designated merchandise categories across all sales channels of the organization. Serve as the internal supplier of loose diamonds as needed for product manufactured by Helzberg and assist the merchandising team to negotiate price and quality standards for all diamond product, including lab grown. Conduct cost analysis on all diamond product, and other basic jewelry categories, to reduce overlap between channels, procurement costs and / or improve gross margin. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Drive strategic sourcing and cost optimization activities in the merchandise area. Deliver year over year cost reductions through a total cost of ownership mindset. • Serve as the company expert and contact to consistently analyze diamond (both mined and lab grown) market trends regarding quality, pricing and availability to maximize product purchases. • Partner with merchants to understand key strategies and present “opportunities” for key promotions. • Merchandise all loose diamonds programs carried in stores, working directly with the suppliers to negotiate price and maintain diamond quality (mined and lab grown). • Manage the call stone program including supplier relationships, pricing, and quality of inventory. • In conjunction with merchandise team manage the diamond feed for the online ring builder. • Develop a standard merchandise RFP process and perform, with assistance from the Buying Teams, merchandise RFPs on specific product categories. • Identify key categories across channels to “merge” supplier and sourcing effort (e.g. Gold, Diamond Basics, Sols). • Provide analysis on key programs to determine the best sourcing option. • Partner with distribution center to maximize the recovery of unwanted inventory for sell-off. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will have direct reports and be responsible for the following: • Accomplish department objectives by directing and monitoring the work progress of direct reports. • Provide coaching and guidance to direct reports. • Set expectations, annual goals and provide required quarterly touch base meetings with all direct reports. This role will be responsible for supervising the purchasing coordinator for Procurement-Strategic Sourcing who will have skills with vendor communication, costing analysis, system knowledge and ideally diamond knowledge.