Assistant Buyer - Footwear

Job Description

Job Description

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: Assistant Buyer - Footwear

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Overview

The role of Assistant Buyer - Footwear is to support the Buying and Merchandising team. This role is ideal for someone looking to build a career in buying, product creation, or production within a fast-paced retail/fashion environment. We are looking for someone that is extremely detail oriented, organized and has great work ethic.

Responsibilities :

Vendor Communication & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers

• Communicate clearly with vendors on order status, product availability, delivery timelines, and issue resolution

• Maintain and monitor Email & Wechat communication and management

• Review vendor invoices daily and ensure all data entry of purchase orders are accurate. Flagging discrepancies with the buying team to resolve asap

Purchase Order & Inventory Management

• Accurately enter and track purchase orders, reviewing all attributions are correct. Ensuring all orders are processed efficiently and on time

• Monitor and follow up on open orders to address discrepancies, delays, or adjustments

• Assist in managing inventory levels, ensuring stock aligns with sales forecasts and customer demand

Product Data & SKU Maintenance

• Support the Buyer in managing a broad assortment of SKUs, ensuring product information is accurate and up-to-date

• Organize and maintain product databases, ensuring all footwear items are properly set up and tracked

• Provide Sales & Trend Analysis & recommendations to optimize the footwear assortment based on performance data

Sample Coordination

• Organizing and maintaining sample displays and seasonal walls

• Request sample information related to cost and minimums

• Ordering and tracking top of production and presale samples

• Review QC reports and flag issues to buyers

• Market and Trend Research through comp shopping presentations and trend analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with allocation, planning, and logistics teams to ensure timely product delivery and smooth inventory flow

• Coordinate with internal departments to support key merchandising and operational initiatives

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in buying, merchandising, product coordination, or vendor management, preferably in footwear or fashion

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Analytical mindset with an understanding of sales data and fashion trends

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.