• 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

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
Our ideal candidate would have the following background:  

• Bachelor's 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
• Personal experience in creating crafts using different materials (weaving, pottery, wood working, etc.)
• Experience in product design and development
• Computer skills, including experience with graphic design programs and excel
• Experience living and working overseas
• Knowledge of a foreign language

TO APPLY, CONTACT:  Jim Ramsey, SERRVHR@yahoo.com