Job: Product Team Assistant Buyer

SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.
We are looking for a creative, organized, energetic addition to our product development team in our Madison, Wisconsin office. Our ideal candidate would be a highly organized individual with experience in product development for the gift and home furnishings market, able to think both creatively and analytically about merchandising and new product development. Attention to detail and great communication skills are crucial, as the position will require detailed technical writing and ongoing communication with overseas artisan groups. And a sense of humor and willingness to pitch in wherever necessary is essential, as part of a very small team who brings product to market for 75 grassroots artisans and food producers from around the world.
As an assistant buyer, you would be the primary contact and principal product developer for a portion of our producer groups. You would participate in the development of trend reports and actively participate in the selection of products that SERRV sells through our catalog and online. In addition, you would have a crucial coordinating role in our department—by keeping the departmental schedule, making sure that the product bank is organized and current, and accurately describing selected products and making sure that they enter our sales system correctly.
Job Description
Administration and coordination:
Manage sample bank and sample transfers
Maintain departmental calendar and keep meeting records
Manage product team volunteers
Other duties as designated

Data Analysis:
Retrieve sales data and format sales projection and best seller reports weekly, distribute to appropriate staff, and produce seasonal sales reports

Merchandising:
Contribute to the development of a trend vision and merchandising plan for each new season’s products by looking at SERRV catalog sales data, researching the US market, collecting product inspiration ideas, and working closely with the rest of the product team and any outside resources in the creation of each season’s trend report.
Participate as a member of the product team in product selection meetings for all new products, held four times a year.
Proof print catalog and other marketing materials as necessary

New Product Development and Producer Liaison:
As one of three regional buyers, you would be responsible for sample development, modification requests, and communication regarding product and producer information as well as all quality control issues for the producer groups in your region.
Working within the sample budget, merchandising plan, and product team work plan, identify, design and modify products to be marketed by SERRV.
Act as the primary conduit for information regarding products, including sample development, modifications, product information, and quality issues. Provide feedback to producer groups on ordered samples.
Process sample shipments—receiving, unpacking, coding and pricing samples, and confirming shipments with producers
Monitor sales of products of assigned groups and develop strategies for improving sales through product development for each group

New Product Input and Processing:
In general, SERRV selects and purchases products two times a year. The following responsibilities are seasonal.
Oversee safety and quality testing of selected new product samples
Write detailed product descriptions for all new products each catalog season, and create a sku for the product. Photograph new products for internal records and as a reference for producers. Enter, edit and update product descriptions in ACT1
Coordinate with the purchasing coordinator to make sure that she has all information necessary to place a purchase order
Organize new products for handoff to marketing

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
• Bachelors degree
• Training in graphic design, art, marketing, drawing, textile, and/or jewelry design.
• Knowledge of materials and production techniques used in developing a variety of crafts in different countries
• Computer skills in word processing, spread sheets (Excel), and graphic design
Work Experience
• Personal experience in creating crafts using different materials (weaving, pottery, wood working, etc.)
• Experience in product design and development
• Experience living and working overseas
• Knowledge of a foreign language
Work Traits
• Ability to work cooperatively with producers, vendors, and co-workers
• Competence to work on tasks with minimal supervisions
• Able to pay close attention to details with products and processes
• A desire to work with people from underdeveloped countries