Associate Buyer

Job Summary

The Associate Buyer supports procurement efforts for their respective categories focusing on assortment strategy, vendor management, and driving profitable product assortments. This role requires developing strategic thinking, market awareness, and the ability to achieve operational and financial goals. The Associate Buyer reports to the Buyer. This is an in-office position based in West Covina, CA.

Essential Job Functions

• Support the Buyer in developing and executing buying strategies to curate trend-driven product assortments that align with customer preferences and product / IP trends, while achieving optimal SKU count and balancing newness vs. evergreen skus.
• Analyze sales, inventory, and market trends to identify key opportunities and influence assortment decisions.
• Assist in building and executing balanced assortments that meet customer demand and reflect current trends.
• Partner closely with planning to manage timelines, monitor delivery flow, and support quality control.
• Maintain and update assortment tools and buy plans, ensuring accuracy and alignment with OTB and line plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Planning, Allocation, Visual and Marketing to bring product to market successfully.
• Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify trends, customer preferences, and whitespace opportunities.
• Contribute to vendor and internal product meetings by preparing relevant insights and recaps.
• Support the Buyer in identifying pricing strategies and managing KPI goals.
• Perform research analysis of their respective category market to identify trends and opportunities, tailoring insights to enhance the core customer's experience and identify new growth opportunities and business strategies.
• Generate detailed reports on product performance, both weekly and monthly.
• Skillfully use and navigate internal systems like OA, SAP, and other related software applications.
• Undertake any other related tasks or projects as they arise.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven experience in the retail sector, with a significant advantage for those having extensive experience and resources in trend focused retail.
• Advanced proficiency in MS office applications for analytical tasks and reporting. Familiarity with OA/SAP platforms is extremely beneficial.
• Demonstrated capability in efficiently addressing and resolving challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently without compromising quality.
• Excellent communication skills for both internal discussions and external negotiations.
• Proven track record of collaborating cross-functionally with diverse teams across different locations and time zones.
• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to high work standards.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, maintaining composure under pressure, and quickly respond to market or strategic changes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data insightfully.
• A team player with an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong passion for the industry.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for business needs, including domestic and international trips for clients visits, industry conferences, etc.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, preferably with a specialization in Supply Chain Management.
• Additionally, a minimum of 3 years or more substantial work experience in a buying capacity.

Pay Range

USD $70,304.00 - USD $76,950.00 /Yr.