Development Buyer/Planner



Job Summary
The Development Buyer/Planner is responsible for sourcing and purchasing new product components for assigned Klutz products. This includes overseeing the manufacture and assembly of goods, ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget, and that the products meet the high standards of quality for which Klutz is known. The Development Buyer/Planner also manages an assigned list of previously published titles.

Job Responsibilities

  • Work with the development team to find the right attachments for each title at the right price. This may include locating existing products or manufacturing custom products that meet our high quality specifications.
  • Plan the purchase and assembly of assigned Klutz products ensuring enough inventory to meet our sales needs, without overstocking.
  • Coordinate the efficient implementation of changes to existing products. This might include changes to covers, components, or packaging and will require excellent communication with Art, Marketing, Sales, Warehouse, and any other group that needs to be informed.
  • Negotiate and renegotiate with established vendors to ensure that we pay the lowest price possible without compromising quality.
  • Work with the other production managers to develop an overall plan for the purchasing and assembly of our books, ensuring that each vendor is used in the best way possible.
  • Keep our Quality Assurance Manager up-to-date on all changes to existing products.
  • Provide the Art, Editorial and Marketing groups with accurate reprint schedules. Work with these groups to implement reprint changes.
  • Maintain complete and up-to-date records of product specifications, costs, and purchasing plans. Ensure that these records are easily accessible to coworkers.

Job Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s degree
  • At least four years of work experience as a buyer/planner or project manager for consumer products
  • Proven experience working with vendors to create strongly branded products
  • Strong knowledge of retail merchandising
  • Experience helping to create and launch a new product line a plus
  • Familiarity with purchasing plans
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Impeccable attention to detail, combined with a flexible and results-oriented approach to work
  • The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
  • Top-notch interpersonal and communication skills
  • The ability to work effectively in a creative environment with constantly-changing requirements, and to maintain a sense of humor while juggling a variety of complex responsibilities


To Apply
Please apply through the Careers section of the Scholastic, Inc. website.
Visit: http://www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/jobsearch.asp,
and search on Requisition Number NY5819 to submit your information for consideration.

This position is based in Palo Alto, California.