Retail Buyer

Seattle, WA

Service Excellence. Performance. Integrity. Teamwork. Consistency. Innovation.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises united as HAP-Alaska/Yukon Land Operations. We’re innovators in Alaska and Yukon tourism and advocates for the environment. Our team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing to Alaska each summer, operating lodges and hotels, luxury motor coaches and the largest domed rail cars in the world. Our guests experience both luxury and adventure that is truly unmatched. 

We’re looking for an amazing Retail Buyer to fill this role, which is based in our Seattle, WA office.  You’ll be responsible for developing merchandising programs and procuring products tailored to the Alaska tourist market. Responsible for monitoring inventory and analyzing sales results. Works to establish retail pricing to yield the required profit. Select vendors, negotiate terms and ensure product quality and delivery within company guidelines. Plan effective promotional campaigns. Liaison with Retail Operations Manager and retail location Managers on shop layouts. Carry out responsibilities per the Company's policies, objectives, and applicable government laws and regulations.
 
Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line and Princess is looking for in its Retail Buyer. Is this you?

Responsibilities:

• Manage assigned vendors and product lines under Retail Manager and Buyer supervision – create purchase plan, initiates and coordinate reorders and delivery schedule.

• Reconcile invoices - by verifying entries and comparing to PO receipts. Process non-Purchase order invoices for the department.                                                                

• Manage Vendors – set up new vendor, resolving PO discrepancies, contact for payment discrepancies                                                              

• Oversee physical inventories for all lodges, help to reconcile discrepancies, process counts and maintain records.                                                                      

• Support Lodge Managers – liaison with the Retail Manager and Gift Shop Managers in developing appropriate strategies for inventory management.                            

• Assist in Warehouse operations as needed.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Requirements:

• A professional level of knowledge equivalent to that which would be acquired through college, an Associate degree or trade school completion. Demonstration of directly related work experience which has provided a comparable breadth and depth of knowledge may be considered in place of the educational requirement. Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (verbal and written) with vendors, retail shops, employees, internal departments, and management. Proficiency in the use of business applications, including spreadsheet applications.                                                     

• Working knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems is required. Organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and work under pressure to meet deadlines are essential in performing the duties of this position. This job typically requires 5+ years of related experience in retail purchasing and merchandising.               

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Holland America Line/Princess is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B status).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• This incumbent will need to be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with Retail Manager and gift shop team. In addition to buying responsibility, the responsibility of reconciling invoices against PO receipts and connecting with vendors for discrepancies. Contacting and setting up new vendors are an important aspect of the position, therefore excellent interpersonal skill and communication skills are very important. Attention to detail is also very important in working with the gift shop managers in the physical inventory process and reconciliation.                                          

• This position is responsible for reviewing and reconciling vendor invoices against purchase orders and receiving documentation to ensure accuracy in pricing, quantities, and terms, enabling timely and accurate payment processing. In the process, they will need to connect with the receiving manager if there are discrepancies and determine if invoices need to be short paid. They will also be responsible for contacting the vendor/supplier to appraise them of the short pay.                                                            

• The Buyer is integral to the operations of the Gift Shop department. Their responsibilities include knowledge of the inventory and generating purchase orders that will effectively generate sales. The buyer is also a main point of contact for vendors/suppliers and important to the development of new products, negotiating terms and resolving issues with quality, delivery, and fulfillment. The buyer works with Retail Operations manager and on-site managers to determine the inventory needed and display to maximize sales and profit for each location.                                                                         

• The Buyer provides coaching and training to the Retail Location Managers, Clerks & Warehouse Clerks. They are also responsible for training seasonal admin on physical inventory and other procedures within the department.                                                                        
  
   

What You Can Expect

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your family​

• Health Benefits

• 401(k) Plan

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

• Training & Professional Development

• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement

• Rewards & Incentives 

Our Culture… Stronger Together

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: https://www.princess.com/aboutus/culture-framework/. 

Holland America Line and Princess are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Holland America Line and Princess will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact: haphr@hagroup.com

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