NOW – The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful
Assortment Selection & Architecture
- Drives vision and creates the assortment to support overall company objectives
- Ability to manage the assortment strategy for all team members
- Manages line review process, including construction and presentation of assortment
- Ensures assortment architecture meets planned metrics both pre-season and in-season as the assortment evolves
Vendor Management
- Works independently with vendors; negotiates successfully within area of responsibility
- Builds and maintains strong vendor relationships to drive business and strategic partnerships
- Demonstrates a high level of negotiation skill
- Identifies and establishes relationships with new vendors to support business growth
Financials
- Manages and is responsible for financial results
- Articulates the strategy behind financial plans
- Translates assortment performance into a clear financial story beyond just metrics
Strategic Thinking
- Creates and drives assortment strategy aligned with overall company direction
- Encourages innovation, creative thinking, and continuous learning
- Ensures all strategic elements align to achieve business goals
Managing for Results
- Sets clear goals and expectations; holds team accountable for performance and quality
- Establishes priorities and delegates effectively to support assortment strategy
- Leads through change, removes barriers, and communicates the value of change
- Leverages cross-functional partnerships to drive results
- Demonstrates accountability and decisiveness
Leading / Motivating
- Provides clear feedback and coaching to maximize team performance
- Understands individual motivators and uses them to develop team members
- Influences across the organization and gains alignment at all levels
- Communicates effectively, using data to tell a compelling story to various audiences
- Builds strong cross-functional relationships
FUTURE – Skills and behaviors for development
Skills to Get to the Next Level
- Leads the team with MoCo values
- Seeks opportunities to expand knowledge and develop others
- Takes initiative and supports team needs proactively
- Actively learns and applies new insights to exceed business objectives
- Performs consistently at the next level
Differentiating Behaviors
- Collaborates across categories to align on total assortment strategy
- Operates independently while knowing when to engage leadership
- Develops a long-term vision for the category
- Demonstrates a strong track record of developing and promoting talent
- Recognizes team contributions and takes ownership when challenges arise
- Drives continuous improvement through analysis and partnership
- Exhibits confidence, credibility, and strong leadership presence
Potential Next Steps
- Senior Buyer
- Senior Merchandise Planner
