Merchandise Buyer Assistant jobs in Illinois

WHO WE ARE

IMS represents leading brands at the point of purchase – in store, online, and behind the scenes – including digital and traditional signage, print and POP, branded merchandise, and more. Our marketplace is solution agnostic, so our clients achieve best execution at lowest price throughout North America. Our integrated platform (planning, procurement, freight, warehousing, kitting, fulfillment, field execution, analytics, and program management) empowers our clients to stay at the strategic level, knowing that we can help turn their marketing vision into a reality. Visit us at: www.IMSretail.com.

IMS is wholly owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), an inter-connected global network of leading marketing communication companies offering a diverse, comprehensive range of marketing solutions spanning brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying services, public relations and numerous specialty communications services to drive bottom line results for its clients (www.omnicomgroup.com).

WHAT DOES THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BUYER DO?

The Branded Merchandise Buyer sits on the branded merchandising team in our Morton Grove office. This position will play a key role in sourcing custom branded merchandise and point of sale material. The Branded Merchandise Buyer is an integral member of the team and represents a positive, creative, solution-oriented member of the organization.

Major Responsibilities Include:

• Innovative Product Development
  • Manage assignments for innovative branded merchandise product development and sourcing through delivery which is in sync with client objectives and timelines
  • Stay current with retail and industry trends; seek innovation; develop and present innovative ideas and merchandise information internally and to the client team
  • Out of the box thinking to develop creative solutions to branded merchandise sourcing against aggressive timelines with the need to drive innovation, cost savings and in-store display activity
  • Present branded merchandise, signage and display ideas, recommendations and innovations that meet client goals and KPIs
• Project Management
  • Be a strong operational leader and interface cross-functionally with Account Management, Client Services, Distribution, IT, and Finance teams, as well as external creative agencies
  • Develop and execute against program timelines and schedules to meet strict delivery requirements
  • Flexibility to gain expertise in IMS proprietary job management software
  • Aid in the continuous improvement of processes/procedures/innovations
  • Assist in new business development

WHO ARE YOU?

You're a critical thinker and problem solver. You enjoy handling a variety of tasks and working on multiple projects at once.

Additionally, you embody the IMS principles of Passion, Collaboration, Integrity, Inventiveness, and Proactivity. You love to be part of a team that strives to provide excellent service and thought leadership to our clients and want to bring your best to the organization and see your work brought to life.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with a proven history of career progression
• 3 years of project management experience (relating to branded merchandise product development)
• Branded merchandise or retail buying experience
• Expert management of catalog, web, and/or retail projects (or comparable)
• Strong vendor negotiation skills
• Domestic and overseas production experience and resources
• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both internally and externally
• Strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point and Adobe
• Ability to travel occasionally

What we offer

In addition to playing an important role at IMS, you'll receive:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
• Generous PTO policy
• Robust peer recognition program
• Training and development opportunities
• Commitment to growing and enhancing our organizational culture

Who we are

IMS represents leading brands at the point of purchase – in store, online, and behind the scenes – including digital and traditional signage, print and POP, branded merchandise, and more. Our marketplace is solution agnostic, so our clients achieve best execution at lowest price throughout North America. Our integrated platform (planning, procurement, freight, warehousing, kitting, fulfillment, field execution, analytics, and program management) empowers our clients to stay at the strategic level, knowing that we can help turn their marketing vision into a reality. Visit us at: www.IMSretail.com.

IMS is wholly owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), an inter-connected global network of leading marketing communication companies offering a diverse, comprehensive range of marketing solutions spanning brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying services, public relations and numerous specialty communications services to drive bottom line results for its clients (www.omnicomgroup.com).

A note to candidates

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company and we are most interested in finding the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background, and that's okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

IMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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