Associate Buyer - Jewelry & Watches

Title of role: Associate Buyer – Jewelry & Watches Location: New York or Boston; Hybrid (2 days in the office required) Approved Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000 About the Role As an Associate Buyer at Rue Gilt Groupe (RGG), you will play a vital role in executing the daily discovery and boutique‑style shopping that defines our brands. Your primary responsibility will be to drive sales, manage inventory, and deliver margin improvements within the Jewelry & Watches category. Partnering closely with the Senior Buyer, you will act as an entrepreneurial force—building and implementing progressive merchandising strategies, identifying marketplace opportunities, and fostering strategic relationships with premier brand vendors. This position places you at the intersection of business strategy and fashion curation, directly contributing to RGG's larger mission of connecting world‑class brands with the next‑generation shopper while consistently exceeding critical performance metrics. Key Responsibilities Merchandising Strategy & Assortment Planning Develop and execute strategic merchandise and assortment plans in deep alignment with the Senior Buyer and Merchandise Planning teams. Own and manage a distinct sub‑class of business within the larger category, taking complete accountability for its commercial performance and visual presentation. Research and analyze competitive landscapes and market trends, translating external insights into actionable, trend‑right boutique concepts on our sites. Financial Management & Analytics Analyze weekly sales trends, gross margin, inventory health, and product turn to ensure all decisions protect the financial performance of the category. Utilize analytical insights to pivot merchandising choices, proactively mitigating inventory risks while capitalizing on sudden consumer demands. Track, measure, and optimize core business metrics to continuously meet and exceed designated functional KPIs. Vendor Relations & Negotiations Foster and grow collaborative relationships with existing and new vendor partners, establishing RGG as the preferred off‑price partner for the world's most recognized brands. Negotiate terms, pricing, and product allocations skillfully to secure high‑margin opportunities that maximize value for our members. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Team Leadership Partner cross‑functionally with Programming, Production, Planning, Tech, and Operations teams to build cohesive, high‑impact e‑commerce events. Mentor and manage junior team members (such as Assistant Buyers and Analysts), actively championing their professional development and career progression within RGG. Experience and Background Needed You are a tenacious professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, highly dynamic retail environment requiring constant adaptability and agility. You possess deep industry knowledge and an active obsession with competitive retail trends. As an innovative self‑starter, you are comfortable operating independently, taking creative risks with boutique ideation, and owning the outcomes of your business decisions. You are deeply collaborative and value straightforward, kind communication, building seamless relationships across diverse internal teams and external vendor networks to drive optimal enterprise impact. Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field is preferred. 3–5 years of direct professional experience within a retail buying or e‑commerce merchandising function. Proven capability to manipulate and interpret financial data including sales, gross margin, inventory velocity, and turn metrics to drive profit. Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships and executing profitable business negotiations. Technical aptitude and comfort navigating native web‑based merchandising tools, inventory systems, and Microsoft Excel. A proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously while comfortably navigating changes in operational direction and priority. What Our Team Offers Comprehensive Coverage: Robust health, dental, and vision insurance effective on the date of hire. Time & Flexibility: Generous Flex Time Off (FTO) and flexible remote/hybrid work options that support a healthy work‑life balance. Culture: A supportive, inclusive culture that encourages innovation, safety, and creative risk‑taking. Community: Paid volunteer opportunities and regular DEI celebrations to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration. Impact: The chance to make a real, measurable impact at a mission‑driven, fast‑growing company poised for major expansion. Work Authorization Rue Gilt Groupe requires all applicants to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Equal Opportunity Employment Rue Gilt Groupe is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Rue Gilt Groupe is committed to providing equal pay for equal work and carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors, including but not limited to, prior experience, education, certification(s), license(s), skills and expertise, location, internal equity, and other factors that are job related and consistent with business need. Our goal is to support, reward and compensate the entire individual. Depending on role eligibility, your offer may also include bonus/commission, stock options, paid time off, medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Therefore, final offer amounts may vary from the amount stated. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Rue Gilt Groupe reserves the right at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions or assign additional job responsibilities within your general skill set or capabilities. Rue Gilt Groupe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rue Gilt Groupe