.JOB SUMMARY Working out of a TJX satellite office, to assist buyers from initial sample to final sign off. To monitor and resolve product quality issues and merchandise orders for the U.S., Canada, and Australia divisions. Ensure overall quality, packaging, and size standards are maintained. Authorizes pre-production and production merchandise and resolves issues through proper channels. Ensure that any upgraded safety/labeling and packing requirements are communicated to, and understood by the vendor. Merchandise expertise in various product categories in his/her department. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Collaborates with Buyers to develop a full implementation of product quality, value, and design. Identifies quality issues by receiving pre-production and production samples from vendors. Gains understanding of products by visiting factories or stores. Establishes and maintains a system to request, receive, and respond to all production sample inspections in a timely manner ensuring all final quality checks and final sign off for pre-production/production samples are made. Establishes and fosters relationships with the vendors to maintain regular and effective communication efforts. Pro-actively prevents quality problems by establishing a system to inform problematic vendors that all items will be tested for weight, construction, shrinkage, etc. Ensures all safety and labeling regulations are followed. Interacts with Buyers and DVP, Market Managers to identify and manage a system to track incentive purchases, production updates, and quality concerns. Travels to vendor warehouses to "spot" check quality standards on incentive purchases prior to shipment. Develops and conducts informational and training sessions with the Buying and Sourcing teams. May accompany the buyer on market trips. Documents all problematic purchases and their subsequent resolutions and elaborates periodically reports for assigned products and shares the reports with Senior Management. Takes ownership for becoming knowledgeable and current on TJX standards, initiatives, and industry practices for designated product categories. Special projects as assigned or directed by the business. Will be involved in business travel and vendor visits based on the Company's needs. DECISION MAKING Ability to recommend beneficial changes to TJX sample and product quality tracking. Ability to document problem purchases and identify ways to resolve the issues. Ability to follow up with orders to vendors and give appropriate instructions on manufacture, preparation, labeling of the merchandise. Able to manage vendor noncompliance activities and make appropriate recommendations for change and improvement. JOB KNOWLEDGE Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 3 to 5 years supporting buying or sourcing operations. Product knowledge. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Great organization, initiative, and analytical skills. Self-starter, able to work independently
