The successful applicant will support their Category Manager in all aspects of the buying role, setting up new vendors and skus, maintaining sku level accuracy on our website and in print and supporting their Buyer in purchasing decisions and sales analysis. The Assistant Buyer - Level II will also be given limited buying responsibilities for an appropriate section of your overall categories. This will provide training and allow you to demonstrate your skills and potential based on actual results.  The applicant should have at least 1-2 years’ experience in the assistant buyer / merchandiser role. They should be extremely hard working and resourceful, organized and creative. Applicants should be ambitious and committed to Blick and our customer base, continuously striving to improve internal processes and our customer service. There is a certain amount of administrative work in this role so applicants should have experience with reporting and excel.

Major Position Responsibilities:

• Source, review, select, and develop new products in conjunction with Category Manager/Buyer.
• Buying responsibility for select product or product lines (conduct vendor meetings, review market trends, and make appropriate product decisions)
• Responsible for negotiating resolution for quality control / defective merchandise
• Responsible for addressing all internal (Blick)and external (customer / new vendor) product inquiries
• Work with buyer in documenting vendor meetings and appropriate follow up
• Work with buyer selecting product for print, web, and retail promotions
• Approve copy and pricing for both print and web media
• Responsible for processing all promotional information for print, retail ,and web channels
• Responsible for product data management
• Ensure vendor compliance for quality, packaging, labeling, and governmental standards (MSDS/SDS; CPSIA).
• Manage samples; incoming requests from vendors and outgoing to art department and outlet store.
• Continually monitor website for web page accuracy and product reviews
• Assist Category Manager/Buyer with resolving pricing, quality, and service of supply issues.
• Monitor back order status.
• Facilitate communication to retail merchandisers and copywriters
• Work with other internal departments as needed
• Flexible to work on any departmental or company project as assigned by management.
• Perform category management duties in CM absence
• Able to travel domestically on a moderate basis

Required skills and experience:

• Four year, on campus college degree
• 2 or more years like-industry experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail orientated and analytical
• Proficient in Excel, particularly pivot tables, vlookups, and other formulas

Benefits Include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401K & Profit Sharing Plan
• Incentive Bonus Plans
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability
• Training Opportunities
• Basic & Optional Life Insurance
• Employee Discount

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership, and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States.

At Blick Art Materials, our family owners and dedicated staff support the Visual Art Community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices. With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.