Department Manager (Category Buyer)

The department managers is responsible for the organization of specific departments and control over its purchasing and merchandising activities. The number of department managers will depend on the size of the store and the merchandise assortment available. A student with good leadership, planning and communication skills is important here. Experience at a part-time
retail job would be helpful. A strong curriculum emphasis in English, and Speech is suggested.     

  • Supervise all merchandise functions for their Department.
  • Coordinates all merchandise inventory activity for their Department.
  • Track and stimulate department sales. 
  • Helps train and communicate goals with store department workers. 
  • Evaluates department staff workers
  • Plans merchandise activities with     Department personnel.
  • Coordinates all returned merchandise in department or to vendor.


  • Decide on the inventory mix  for their department. 
  • Prepares and prints plan-o-gram.
  • Reviews Department, Category and SKU sales reports
  • Decide on new or discontinued items. 
  • Plans pricing promotions with        Marketing Manager.
  • Submits requests for needed items with vendors. 
  • Creates PO's for merchandise on POS System.
  • Coordinate cross merchandising with other departments managers

  • Prepare Departmental reports for monthly meetings.

  • Department Calendar Promos
  • Category Calendar Promos
  • Item Calendar Promos
  • Department Coupons
  • Category Coupons
  • Item Coupons
  • Department Sales Incentives
  • Explore Retail Management as a   future career by job site visit or    inviting a  guest speaker
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Retail Store Manager
  • Auto Salesman
  • Retail Sales Manager