Associate Buyer

Purpose:

The Associate Buyer supports the DTC buying team in building and executing a merchandise strategy that aligns with brand priorities and market trends and achieves seasonal sales and margin targets. This role helps drive sales and profitability by analyzing sales, managing inventory performance, assisting in product selection, managing vendor relationships, and market research.

Key Accountabilities:

• Generate and review daily and weekly sales and inventory reports to identify trends, forecast demand, and make data-driven decisions to maximize sell-through and margin
• Assist in the development and execution of seasonal buying plans and product assortments
• Partner with buyers to evaluate new products, review samples, and prepare assortment recommendations
• Support negotiations with vendors on cost, delivery, and terms under the direction of the Buyer
• Manage receipts and markdowns against open-to-buy targets to optimize on-floor presentations and inventory turn. Drive changes with planning partners to maximize key performance indicators (KPI’s)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as retail planning and allocation, digital category management, purchasing, and logistics to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of materials
• Opportunity to drive seasonal strategy for area of responsibility and create best in class channel relevant assortments specific to our consumer and on trend that drive top line sales and profitability
• Support all aspects of order management/purchasing functions including article creation and stock category transfers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and reporting tools and a thorough understanding of retail math
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to build successful relationships within a team and cross-functionally
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to effectively present information to an individual or group, both written and verbally
• Ability to work independently and be a solution-based thinker
• Ability to multi-task within a fast paced, changing environment, and the ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines
• Interest in Retail industry and understanding of sports and style preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 1–3 years of experience in merchandising, buying, planning, or a related retail role
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities