Negotiate prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise. · Manage the department for which they buy. · Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed. · Interview and work closely with vendors to obtain and develop desired products. · Conduct staff meetings with sales personnel to introduce new merchandise. · Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media. · Prepare training budget for department or organization. · Evaluate instructor performance and the effectiveness of training programs, providing recommendations for improvement. · Plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops. · Train instructors and supervisors in techniques and skills for training and dealing with employees. · Develop and organize training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.